Hamas political bureau member Khalil al-Hayya said, “Hamas is serious about releasing Israeli captives within the framework of an agreement” that emphasizes the freedom of Palestinian convicts held in Israeli jails.
An appeal was made on Wednesday by at least 17 nations, including the United States, Israel’s closest ally, urging Hamas to free its prisoners as a necessary first step in resolving the Gaza conflict.
The presidents of the seventeen countries stated, “We demand the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now for over 200 days.”
Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom are among the other countries included in the group.
The deal reached to free the hostages “would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, that would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities,” according to a transcript of the leaders’ diplomatic talks.
It was expected that Egyptian and Israeli officials would meet again in Cairo today.
Mike Hanna, an Al Jazeera reporter in Washington, DC, concluded that the remark was meant to put more pressure on Hamas amid ongoing negotiations.
He stated, “As these negotiations advance, it would seem that pressure is being put on Hamas, but there is no mention of any simultaneous release of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel by the Israeli government.”
Israel increased its military operations in Rafah, which borders Egypt, and all over Gaza, leaving a dire humanitarian situation.
According to an official for the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is currently moving forward with its plan to invade the southern area of Rafah, where over 1.5 million fleeing Gazans have taken shelter.
The UN and other organizations continue to press Israel to accept more funding.
Eleven-year-old Husam, who has taken refuge in Rafah, told Source, “We’re afraid people will resort to killing each other for food.”
