Israeli Hostages: Netanyahu on Hamas Release Talks
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the recent announcement by Hamas concerning the release of a US-Israeli hostage. He clarified that this development would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, nor would it result in the release of Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu’s office released a statement asserting that negotiations aimed at securing the release of all hostages would continue, even amidst ongoing military operations.
Hamas revealed on Sunday that they would be releasing Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier captured in Gaza. This announcement coincided with the group’s confirmation of direct discussions with the United States regarding a potential ceasefire in the conflict-ridden area. Although no exact timeline for Alexander’s release was provided, family members shared that they had been informed of a possible release in the coming days.
In response, Netanyahu emphasized, “Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or the release of terrorists but solely to a safe passage that will facilitate Edan’s release.” He attributed the prospect of Alexander’s release to the military pressure exerted in Gaza. “We are in the midst of critical days where Hamas has been offered a deal that would enable the return of our hostages,” he added.
Meanwhile, two Hamas officials indicated to AFP that talks in Qatar were ongoing with the United States and noted that some progress had been made in negotiations. As these discussions unfolded, Israeli airstrikes continued, contributing to escalating tensions in Gaza.
The Gaza civil defense agency reported that an overnight airstrike had resulted in at least ten fatalities, including numerous women and children, from an attack on a school sheltering displaced individuals. Civil Defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal confirmed, “At least 10 deceased, along with dozens of injured, were taken to hospitals following an Israeli airstrike on the Fatima Bint Asad school, which houses over 2,000 displaced people in Jabalia.”
As the situation progresses, reports indicate that Gaza militants are currently holding 58 hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This initial assault ignited the ongoing conflict and includes claims from the Israeli military that 34 of these hostages are already deceased.
