Hamas says it is ready to release all remaining hostages for an end to Gaza war
In a pivotal moment in the ongoing Middle East conflict, Hamas has announced its willingness to release all remaining Israeli hostages — but only under a comprehensive agreement. The group has laid out firm conditions for this deal, which includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, a full ceasefire, and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the region.
Hamas’ Demands for Peace
Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’s Gaza leader and head negotiator, clarified that the group will not accept partial or temporary deals. Hamas is demanding an all-inclusive resolution: an end to military operations, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and international guarantees to enforce the terms.
This move marks a significant shift in rhetoric and strategy, positioning Hamas as seeking a long-term solution rather than short-term relief. It’s a calculated political move that could reshape negotiations going forward.
Israel’s Response and Continued Offensive
The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has firmly rejected Hamas’s proposal. Israel insists that any ceasefire must come with the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military and governance structures. From Israel’s perspective, any deal that allows Hamas to maintain its power is unacceptable.
This stance has led to a diplomatic deadlock. While international mediators continue to push for compromise, Israel’s ongoing military operations suggest there is little appetite for the kind of sweeping concessions Hamas is demanding.
The Role of International Mediators
Countries like Egypt and Qatar, along with international agencies, are working tirelessly to broker a truce. Proposed peace frameworks have included prisoner swaps, phased troop withdrawals, and humanitarian corridors.
Yet, progress remains elusive. The gap between both sides’ positions is wide, and each passing day deepens the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, making international intervention increasingly urgent.
What’s at Stake?
This latest development puts immense pressure on both Israeli and Palestinian leadership. For Hamas, releasing all hostages could win international support and ease humanitarian strains. For Israel, holding firm may appear as a stance of strength but could alienate allies and prolong the suffering.
If a comprehensive agreement were to be reached, it would mark a historic step toward long-term stability in the region — something that has eluded the Middle East for decades.
This ongoing situation remains one of the most closely watched geopolitical flashpoints in the world. Whether diplomacy can prevail over decades of animosity remains to be seen — but the door to peace, however narrow, has been cracked open.
