Free the hostages and destroy Hamas. These are Israel’s war aims. But now a spokesperson for the radical Islamic group is making people sit up and take notice: No one knows how many of the approximately 120 Israeli hostages believed to be in the Gaza Strip are still alive.
In an interview with the American broadcaster CNN in the Lebanese capital Beirut, Osama Hamdan, member of the Hamas political bureau, spoke, among other things, about the latest American proposal for a ceasefire, in which the Palestinians still want to make ‘small changes’ . The fate of the hostages and the recently surfaced messages from Hamas leader Jihia al-Sinwar to Palestinian negotiators in Doha (Qatar), which spoke of “necessary sacrifices” among the civilian population, were also the subject of discussion.
News from Hamas leader “is fake”
Regarding the latter, Hamdan said it was “fake” news sent to the Wall Street Journal to “increase pressure on Palestinian negotiators and turn people against the leader.” However, Hamdan was unable or unwilling to provide evidence for his claim.
A few days ago there was renewed hope that a ceasefire agreement was within reach. Both Israel and Hamas have fundamentally indicated their willingness to go along with the US administration’s plans. But in the course of further negotiations, Hamas’s demands for changes emerged. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke of some adjustments that could not be made.
“There is no clear commitment from Israel”
In this context, the Hamas spokesperson emphasized to CNN that “a clear commitment from Israel for a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a right to self-determination for the Palestinians” was missing. Only then can the Israelis held since October 7 be released. However, it is feared that many of the approximately 120 people have already died.
When asked, Hamdan said: “I don’t know how many are still alive. Nobody knows.” Last weekend, as reported, four hostages were freed from the clutches of the Islamists. In addition to about 200 Palestinians – although it is unclear whether they were fighters or civilians – several abductees are also believed to have been killed. Hamas’ media office called it “an unprecedented, brutal attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
