Hamas Demands Full Israeli Pullout Before Hostages Are Freed
Hamas has slammed the brakes on any hostage release, insisting the 132 captives won’t be freed unless Israel halts its offensive and pulls all troops out of Gaza. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri made the hardline stance clear after Israel held talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
“The success of the Paris meeting hinges on the Occupation (Israel) ending its full-blown aggression on the Gaza Strip,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
This tough demand casts doubt on whether any hostages will be released before Hamas’ conditions are fully met.
Prisoner Swap and Political Backing in the Mix
Previously, Hamas linked the release to Israel freeing all Palestinians held on security grounds. Sources close to the talks revealed Hamas wants a formal deal for a November truce only if Israel commits to ending the assault and withdrawing troops. This commitment doesn’t have to be immediate but must be agreed upfront, with backing from Egypt and the United States.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Violence Rages On
Meanwhile, aid leaders warn of a worsening humanitarian disaster. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian access into Gaza, as the conflict spirals.
The ground remains a war zone. Israeli forces have reportedly killed dozens of Palestinian fighters in the last 24 hours amid fierce battles in Khan Younis. Hamas claims to have destroyed two Israeli tanks there. Hospitals in Khan Younis face collapse as the bombardment continues.
Death Toll Soars Amid Unrelenting Conflict
The Gaza Health Ministry paints a grim picture: over 26,600 Palestinians killed since the war began, including 215 in the past day alone. The number of injured has surged past 65,000, underscoring a dire humanitarian catastrophe.
