Israel Demands Full Hostage Release from Hamas Amid Gaza Tensions
Israel Sets Harsh Terms for Gaza Hostage Release Amid Rising Tensions
Israel has warned that if Hamas does not meet its conditions for the release of all hostages and disarmament, parts of Gaza could face devastation similar to past operations in the cities of Rafah and Beit Hanoun. The statement came from an Israeli minister on social media, referring to areas that were largely destroyed in previous military campaigns.
The announcement follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement on Thursday that he had ordered immediate negotiations aimed at securing the release of all hostages still in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that efforts to free the captives would proceed alongside military operations to take control of Gaza City and dismantle Hamas’s stronghold.
On Friday, the Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative was scheduled to release updated figures on hunger in Gaza, highlighting growing humanitarian concerns.
‘Hand in Hand’
Earlier this week, Israel’s defence ministry called up roughly 60,000 reservists to support the operation in Gaza City. “These two matters — defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages — go hand in hand,” Netanyahu said in a video statement, though he did not provide details on the next stage of talks.
The UN has warned that Israel’s planned expansion of military operations in Gaza City could have “a horrific humanitarian impact” on a population already struggling under severe conditions.
Mediators have been waiting for an official Israeli response to a recent ceasefire proposal, which Hamas accepted earlier this week. Palestinian sources say the new agreement involves staggered hostage releases, while Israel insists that all captives must be freed at once.
Israel’s plans to intensify fighting in Gaza have drawn criticism both internationally and domestically. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli operations have killed at least 62,192 Palestinians, most of them civilians.
The conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas attacks on Israel killed 1,219 people, according to AFP figures. Of the 251 hostages taken during the attacks, 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 whom the Israeli military says are dead.
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