The Palestinian militant group Hamas has proposed the release of all hostages in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces from Gaza and a complete ceasefire. In a statement on Wednesday (February 19), Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said this offer would be part of the second phase of the ceasefire.
He said, “We are ready for the second phase, where all hostages will be released together, leading to a permanent ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of all troops from the territory.”
On the other hand, the Israeli occupiers have set a condition for Hamas to lay down its weapons and dismantle all activities. However, Hamas has rejected this proposal. Hazem Qassem stated, “The occupiers’ condition to eliminate Hamas from Gaza is a psychological war. The condition to withdraw resistance forces from Gaza or lay down their weapons is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Hamas will return the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, on Saturday, it will release six live hostages. Initially, Hamas was supposed to release three hostages on Saturday, but they have increased the number to six. Hazem Qassem confirmed the change, saying, “At the request of mediators, the number of released hostages has been doubled to demonstrate that we are ready to implement all the terms of the ceasefire.”
USA President Donald Trump has objected to the weekly release of hostages from Gaza and demanded the release of all hostages at once. The family members of the hostages have also made the same demand, stating that Israel could release all of them together. It is at this moment that Hamas proposed the release of all hostages at once.
LND/SAKIB
