The move is intended to demonstrate “necessary flexibility” and ensure the success of ceasefire talks, the Palestinian group has said
The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on Wednesday it would release ten Israeli hostages to show its goodwill and speed up the process of reaching a “comprehensive agreement” to end the hostilities with Israel.
The release is a part of the “intensive and responsible efforts to ensure the success of the current round of negotiations,” the group said in a statement.
“The core issues remain under negotiation, most notably: the flow of aid, the withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip, and the provision of genuine guarantees for a permanent ceasefire,” Hamas added, reiterating demands which have been rejected by Israel.
On Sunday, Israel dismissed unspecified proposals floated by Hamas at the latest round of talks in Qatar. According to media reports, the group wanted guarantees that the truce would lead to a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Earlier this year, Hamas freed some 30 hostages in a series of prisoner exchanges with Israel as part of a temporary truce. That deal collapsed in late March, when Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza. Both sides have complained about the condition of freed prisoners and alleged abuse they were subjected to in captivity.
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