The Palestinian group Hamas is in contact with mediators and remains open to discussing proposals aimed at overcoming Israeli obstacles in implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. A statement by Hamas spokesperson Abd al-Latif al-Qanou was published on the group's official Telegram channel.
“The contacts with mediators are ongoing. Any new ideas aimed at overcoming the obstacles imposed by the occupation authorities in implementing the agreement and ensuring their commitment to all its conditions are welcomed,” the statement reads. Al-Qanou reaffirmed that “the guarantee for the release of the remaining hostages lies in ending the war, withdrawing troops from Gaza, and beginning its reconstruction.”
On the night of February 23, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that Israel had decided to delay the scheduled release of more than 600 Palestinians on February 22 until Hamas stops holding ceremonies accompanying the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
On February 22, Gaza saw three separate hostage releases: first two hostages were freed, then three more, followed by another individual. The release of five out of the six hostages was accompanied by ceremonies, where they were surrounded by television cameras, Palestinian flags, and Hamas banners, and presented with “release certificates.” The handover of Hashim al-Sayyid, a Muslim prisoner, took place discreetly, as Hamas had previously stated. He was transferred separately to Red Cross officials without public appearances or speeches.
On January 15, it was announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the release of hostages and the implementation of a ceasefire. The three-phase agreement came into effect on January 19. Under the first phase, which lasts 42 days, Hamas is expected to release at least 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
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Based on TASS materials