The terrorist group also said key issues remain unresolved, such as Israeli troops in Gaza.
Hamas announced on July 9 that it has agreed to release 10 hostages as part of its efforts to work in a “positive spirit” with mediators to reach a cease-fire in Gaza, while noting that other key points remain under discussion, including the flow of aid and Israeli troop withdrawals.
“As part of its commitment to the success of the ongoing efforts, the movement has demonstrated the necessary flexibility and agreed to the release of 10 prisoners,” Hamas said in a statement, according to a translation of the group’s remarks by Al Jazeera.
Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, accused Israel of being reluctant to make concessions in talks to bring about a cease-fire in the long-running conflict, which was sparked when Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking hostage around 250 more.
Israeli officials have reported that around 50 hostages remain captive, including 49 seized in the Oct. 7 attack and Hadar Goldin, who was killed in 2014 and whose body has yet to be returned.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the 21-month war until Hamas is destroyed. Israeli officials have said they want to keep troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip, a condition that Hamas opposes.
Hamas said in its statement that it is continuing intensive efforts to ensure “success” in the negotiations, noting that several issues remain unresolved.
“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 said, per Al Jazeera’s translation of the group’s statement.
The Hamas statement comes about a week after President Donald Trump announced a “final proposal” for a 60-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying he expected swift responses from both sides.
“My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump stated in a July 1 post on social media.
“The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better—IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”
By Tom Ozimek
