Hamas proposes to release all hostages if Israel stops bombing Gaza: Report

Hamas has stated that it is willing to release all hostages within an hour if Israeli forces stop their military offensives in the Gaza Strip, the report said.

The proposal came shortly after an Israeli air strike resulted in a high number of casualties at a Gaza City hospital, which was under Hamas control.

According to the health ministry run by Hamas, al-Ahli Hospital was crowded with wounded individuals and civilians seeking shelter during Israeli ground and air attacks.

Reports indicate that local authorities stated at least 300 people were killed in the Israeli strike on the hospital.

A Gaza Health Ministry official told Reuters that the number of casualties, including both killed and injured, was at least 500.

In response to this hospital attack, a Palestinian official referred to it as a "massacre".

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of mourning in the wake of this deadly air strike on the Gaza hospital, resulting in a significant loss of life.

Hamas initiated the ongoing conflict by launching a series of rocket attacks on southern Israel on October 7, which they termed 'Operation Al Aqsa Flood Battle'.

Following this, Israel responded with a counteroffensive known as 'Operation Iron Swords', which included ground incursions into southern Israeli cities. This intense conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides.

Additionally, it is reported that Hamas fighters have taken several Israeli soldiers and civilians as captives.

According to statements from senior Hamas officials, the group currently holds around 200-250 hostages, including citizens of other countries, referred to as "guests" in a video message.

Following the large-scale attack by Hamas on October 7, there have been unverified videos circulating online purportedly showing Israeli women being taken hostage by the group.

These videos depict the women in distressing situations, with their hands bound and covered in blood, being led into vehicles by Hamas militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the urgent priority of securing the release of these hostages since the conflict with Hamas began.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin in Tel Aviv, also emphasized the importance of Hamas promptly releasing the hostages.

Hamas officials have indicated a condition for the release of all civilian hostages.

This comes in the context of Israel imposing a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, affecting essential supplies like water, fuel, electricity, and medical resources.

After his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin, Blinken stated that the US and Israel are engaged in discussions to facilitate medical aid and essential supplies for civilians in Gaza.

Further, Israel has agreed to resume water supply to Gaza as of Monday.

Following the large-scale attack by Hamas on October 7, there have been unverified videos circulating online purportedly showing Israeli women being taken hostage by the group.

These videos depict the women in distressing situations, with their hands bound and covered in blood, being led into vehicles by Hamas militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the urgent priority of securing the release of these hostages since the conflict with Hamas began.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin in Tel Aviv, also emphasized the importance of Hamas promptly releasing the hostages.

Hamas officials have indicated a condition for the release of all civilian hostages.

This comes amid a complete blockade on Gaza, affecting essential supplies like water, fuel, electricity, and medical resources.

Following his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin, Blinken stated that the US and Israel are engaged in discussions to facilitate medical aid and essential supplies for civilians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has agreed to resume water supply to Gaza as of Monday.