Hamas claims Israel rejected offer to release 2 hostages without conditions

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL, Turkey (AA) – Hamas’ armed wing said Saturday it wanted to release two Israeli captives without any conditions but Israel "refused to receive them."

"We informed our Qatari brothers last night that we would release Norit Yitzhak and Yochefed Levitchitz for compelling humanitarian reasons and we asked nothing in return." Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said in a statement.

"However, the Israeli occupation government refused to receive them both,” he said.

Subsequently, a response was issued by the Israeli prime minister’s office that said, “We will not relate to mendacious propaganda by Hamas.”

“We will continue to do everything necessary to bring all the captives and missing back home,” It added

Following the Israeli response, Abu Obaida issued a separate statement confirming that his group is ready to release the two captives “tomorrow, via the same procedures by which the two American detainees were released yesterday.”

The development comes one day after the Al-Qassam Brigades announced the release of two American captives "for humanitarian reasons" in response to Qatari mediatory efforts.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this story from Ankara