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Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025
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Hamas Agrees to Hostage Release for Ceasefire During Eid al-Fitr
Militant Group Proposes 50-Day Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Negotiations with Israel
Hamas has reportedly consented to release five living Israeli hostages as part of a proposed 50-day ceasefire, coinciding with the onset of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr.
This announcement followed the release of a video in which a hostage appealed for his freedom.
Khalil al-Hayya, the chief of Hamas, stated that the group received a proposal from Egypt and Qatar two days prior, which they accepted.
He expressed hope that Israel would not sabotage the agreement.
Al-Hayya confirmed the group's commitment to not disarm while Israel maintains military presence in Gaza.
In response to the mediation attempts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that Israel offered a counter-proposal with support from the United States.
Israeli officials insist on the release of ten out of the 24 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza.
According to media reports, 251 hostages were taken during Hamas's attacks in October 2023, with 58 currently held in Gaza, and the Israeli military stating that 34 others are deceased.
Hamas has indicated it may also release the bodies of deceased hostages.
As part of the proposed exchange, Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel's approach to the ongoing negotiations in Doha—being conducted by Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas—remains cautious, despite the urgency to reach an agreement before Eid al-Fitr.
In conjunction with these developments, it was reported that Israel resumed military operations in Gaza last week, resulting in additional casualties.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, the renewed conflict has led to the deaths of 921 Palestinians since the military escalation.
Hamas's armed wing recently released footage of an Israeli hostage, Elkana Bohbot, who was abducted during a music festival on October 7, 2023, urging the Israeli government to ensure his release.
The video featured Bohbot speaking in Hebrew, showcasing his desperation for freedom and concern over his safety amidst the ongoing bombardment.
Further complicating the situation, Israeli military forces acknowledged targeting ambulances in Gaza, labelling them as suspicious, which Hamas condemned as a war crime, resulting in at least one fatality.
The incident occurred in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, near the Egyptian border.
The ongoing violence has resulted in significant loss of life, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 113,000 injuries since the beginning of the conflict.
In another context, a US citizen detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since February has been released and is under the care of Qatari officials.
Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US ambassador, announced on social media that Faye Hall is safe and being prepared for her return home.
Additionally, discussions among UK and EU officials underline the increasing concern over potential actions taken by the US regarding tariffs that could impact British exports.
With President Trump poised to impose strict duties on key industries, UK officials are strategizing responses to mitigate economic fallout.
Amid rising tensions in international relations, the EU continues to engage with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, focusing on needed reforms amidst ongoing public discontent in Serbia.
EU leaders emphasize the importance of media freedom and anti-corruption efforts despite the authoritarian shift observed in the Serbian government, which has faced sustained protests for several months.
In further developments on the international front, negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have concluded with apparent misunderstandings regarding terms of a ceasefire.
The discussions primarily focused on infrastructure protection and ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, but significant differences remain concerning sanction relief and the immediate timing of a truce.
This announcement followed the release of a video in which a hostage appealed for his freedom.
Khalil al-Hayya, the chief of Hamas, stated that the group received a proposal from Egypt and Qatar two days prior, which they accepted.
He expressed hope that Israel would not sabotage the agreement.
Al-Hayya confirmed the group's commitment to not disarm while Israel maintains military presence in Gaza.
In response to the mediation attempts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that Israel offered a counter-proposal with support from the United States.
Israeli officials insist on the release of ten out of the 24 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza.
According to media reports, 251 hostages were taken during Hamas's attacks in October 2023, with 58 currently held in Gaza, and the Israeli military stating that 34 others are deceased.
Hamas has indicated it may also release the bodies of deceased hostages.
As part of the proposed exchange, Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel's approach to the ongoing negotiations in Doha—being conducted by Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas—remains cautious, despite the urgency to reach an agreement before Eid al-Fitr.
In conjunction with these developments, it was reported that Israel resumed military operations in Gaza last week, resulting in additional casualties.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, the renewed conflict has led to the deaths of 921 Palestinians since the military escalation.
Hamas's armed wing recently released footage of an Israeli hostage, Elkana Bohbot, who was abducted during a music festival on October 7, 2023, urging the Israeli government to ensure his release.
The video featured Bohbot speaking in Hebrew, showcasing his desperation for freedom and concern over his safety amidst the ongoing bombardment.
Further complicating the situation, Israeli military forces acknowledged targeting ambulances in Gaza, labelling them as suspicious, which Hamas condemned as a war crime, resulting in at least one fatality.
The incident occurred in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, near the Egyptian border.
The ongoing violence has resulted in significant loss of life, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 113,000 injuries since the beginning of the conflict.
In another context, a US citizen detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since February has been released and is under the care of Qatari officials.
Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US ambassador, announced on social media that Faye Hall is safe and being prepared for her return home.
Additionally, discussions among UK and EU officials underline the increasing concern over potential actions taken by the US regarding tariffs that could impact British exports.
With President Trump poised to impose strict duties on key industries, UK officials are strategizing responses to mitigate economic fallout.
Amid rising tensions in international relations, the EU continues to engage with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, focusing on needed reforms amidst ongoing public discontent in Serbia.
EU leaders emphasize the importance of media freedom and anti-corruption efforts despite the authoritarian shift observed in the Serbian government, which has faced sustained protests for several months.
In further developments on the international front, negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have concluded with apparent misunderstandings regarding terms of a ceasefire.
The discussions primarily focused on infrastructure protection and ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, but significant differences remain concerning sanction relief and the immediate timing of a truce.
