“Real hope” for agreement
Hamas is said to react “positively” to plan for hostage release
February 1, 2024, 8:34 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Several states are discussing a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Paris in the ongoing war between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas. The latter reacts “positively” to a current suggestion. Israel points to still “significant differences.”
According to mediator Qatar, the terrorist organization Hamas has responded “positively” to proposals for a ceasefire agreement with Israel and the release of hostages. The draft agreement drawn up by representatives of several countries at a meeting in Paris was “approved by the Israeli side and now we have the first positive confirmation from Hamas,” says a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry.
Representatives of the USA, Israel, Qatar and Egypt discussed an agreement in Paris over the weekend that would provide for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in return for a ceasefire. Israel described the talks as “constructive” but pointed to “significant differences.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke of “very productive discussions”. There is “real hope” for an agreement. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said “good progress” had been made.
Over 100 hostages still in Hamas hands
The war was triggered on October 7th by the attack on Israel by Hamas, which the USA and the EU classified as a terrorist organization. According to a count based on Israeli data, more than 1,160 people were killed in the attacks and around 250 others were taken hostage.
Since then, Israel has taken massive military action in the Gaza Strip, with the declared aim of destroying Hamas. According to recent figures from the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, which cannot be independently verified, more than 27,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began.
At the end of November, as part of a week-long humanitarian ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the USA, 105 Hamas hostages were released in return for 240 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. According to Israeli authorities, 132 hostages are still held by Hamas and 28 of them are believed to be dead.