Middle East - Hostage release: Hamas wants new negotiations after war
According to its own statements, the Islamist Hamas wants to continue negotiations on the release of further hostages only after the end of the Gaza war.
Saleh al-Aruri, a Hamas leader, said that only men who had served in the army and soldiers were among the remaining hostages. Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant, on the other hand, said that there were still 15 women and two children among the hostages held by Hamas.
Last week, Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire for the first time, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the USA, which was briefly extended twice. During this time, Hamas released 105 hostages, including 14 Germans, and Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners in return. At the weekend, the Israeli army informed six Israeli families of hostages that their relatives were no longer alive.
The week-long ceasefire expired on Friday morning. Israel accused the terrorist organization Hamas of not fulfilling its obligation to release all female hostages. Hamas accused Israel of rejecting offers. Al-Aruri, who lives in Beirut, said there would be no negotiations under fire.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the Israeli coastal metropolis on Saturday evening and demanded the immediate release of all hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israel assumes that a total of 137 hostages are still being held in the coastal strip.
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- Despite the ongoing tensions, there have been calls for women and children in the Palestinian territories, along with the remaining hostages, to be released as a humanitarian gesture.
- The Israeli city of Tel Aviv has been a hub of support for the hostages, with citizens regularly demonstrating for their safe return, including many women and children.
- Joav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, has stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all hostages, both men and women, and has called on Hamas to honor their commitments in the ceasefire agreement.
- The international community, including the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations, has been urging both Israel and Hamas to engage in peaceful negotiations, focusing on the release of hostages, particularly children and women.
- Harakat el-Mukawame el-Islamije, a Palestinian political faction, has also expressed support for the release of hostages, emphasizing the need for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and nonviolent resolution of conflicts.
- The prolonged conflicts in the Middle East have had a devastating impact on children, both in Israel and the Palestinian territories, making their safe release a top priority for many activists and human rights groups.
- Many international leaders and humanitarian organizations have directed their attention to the Middle East, urging Hamas and Israel to prioritize dialogue and negotiation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the release and protection of all hostages, including women and children.
Source: www.stern.de
