Hamas refuses discussion on hostage Israeli soldiers until end of 'aggression' on Gaza

By Wassim Samih Seifeddine

BEIRUT (AA) — Palestinian resistance group Hamas said on Saturday that it will not discuss the fate of Israeli soldiers being held hostage until Tel Aviv ends its "aggression" on Gaza.

The Gaza-based group's representative in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, told reporters at its headquarters in Beirut that the release of two American hostages earlier this week was a reflection of Hamas' "moral commitment," justifying the move by citing "the circumstances of war."

Hamas' military arm, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Thursday that they had released two American hostages "for humanitarian reasons" in response to diplomatic efforts by Qatar.

Hamdan stressed that Hamas "will consider the release of civilian hostages when the conditions are right" and emphasized that it "will not discuss the fate of the Israeli military hostages until the end of the aggression on Gaza."

Additionally, Hamdan disclosed that "numerous international entities have engaged in discussions with Hamas concerning foreign hostages."

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Palestinian resistance group 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, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

* Writing by Rania Abu Shamala