Cairo, Egypt – Hamas, the militant group in control of the Gaza Strip, remains steadfast in its stance on the release of Israeli hostages, dismissing President Donald Trump’s recent warnings. The group insists that the hostages will only be freed in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the region.
Hamas accuses President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to backtrack on the ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the year. This agreement includes negotiations for the release of hostages, more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Spokesperson for Hamas, Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua, emphasized the importance of proceeding with negotiations for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, while criticizing the limited progress made since talks began in early February.
Trump’s recent ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and deceased bodies, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the parties. The White House has confirmed engaging in direct talks with Hamas, a controversial move given the group’s classification as a terrorist organization by Israel and Western nations.
Hamas is currently in possession of 24 living hostages taken during a 2023 attack, as well as the remains of individuals killed in various conflicts. Despite releasing a number of hostages and bodies in an initial ceasefire phase, Hamas remains at odds with Israel over the terms of the next phase.
The strained relations between Israel and Hamas have led to a blockade on essential supplies to Gaza, affecting the lives of approximately 2 million Palestinians. Israel’s support for a new U.S. proposal for the release of hostages has been met with resistance from Hamas, further complicating efforts to reach a lasting agreement.
Both sides have suffered significant casualties and destruction in the conflict, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the violence. The challenges in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire highlight the complexities of the situation in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensures the safety and security of all parties involved.