Hamas: “We are not the ones blocking the release agreement.” Israel denies press: hostages are still alive

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas is not preventing the agreement for the release of hostages and the conclusion of a truce in the Gaza Strip. The media reported it Hamas, quoting Sami Abou Zuhri, one of the main representatives of the Islamist movement. “It is not Hamas that is obstructing the agreement,” he said, adding that Israel is not serious about reaching a deal in Gaza and is still acting under the cover of the United States, “although the White House knows the problem is with (Israel)). This statement comes as delegations from Hamas and Israel are expected in Cairo to relaunch indirect negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied previously released reports. on the alleged death of around a third of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip. “In recent hours, false rumors have circulated about the people kidnapped. Listen only to announcements from official authorities and avoid spreading false rumors that harm families and the public,” reads the IDF’s X profile. Earlier, the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post, citing a government tally, reported that more than a third of the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip were dead.

On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and other affiliated groups kidnapped more than 250 people in Israel and dragged them to Gaza. A few dozen hostages were released at the end of November as part of an agreement between Hamas and Israel, during which fighting was suspended.

Related posts