Hamas to release ten Israeli hostages

The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on Wednesday it would release ten Israeli hostages to show its goodwill and speed up the process of reaching a “comprehensive agreement” to end the hostilities with Israel.

The release is a part of the “intensive and responsible efforts to ensure the success of the current round of negotiations,” the group said in a statement. 

“The core issues remain under negotiation, most notably: the flow of aid, the withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip, and the provision of genuine guarantees for a permanent ceasefire,” Hamas added, reiterating demands which have been rejected by Israel.

On Sunday, Israel dismissed unspecified proposals floated by Hamas at the latest round of talks in Qatar. According to media reports, the group wanted guarantees that the truce would lead to a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Earlier this year, Hamas freed some 30 hostages in a series of prisoner exchanges with Israel as  part of a temporary truce. That deal collapsed in late March, when Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza. Both sides have complained about the condition of freed prisoners and alleged abuse they were subjected to in captivity.

The conflict between Hamas and Israel began in October of 2023, triggered by the militant group’s surprise assault in the south of the country. The initial attack left some 1,200 people dead, with around 250 taken hostage. Some 50 hostages still remain in captivity, with fewer than half of them believed to be alive. 

The Israeli response, which included intensive artillery and aerial bombardment and ground operations, caused widespread destruction in Gaza, killing at least 57,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the local health authorities.