Ceasefire hopes are hampered by what group has termed a ‘serious escalation’ as Israeli strike kills nine
Mourners react next to Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters
Mourners react next to Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters
Samy Magdy
Today at 03:30
Hamas said yesterday it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement, calling it an “exceptional deal” aimed at getting the truce back on track. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed nine people in Gaza including local journalists according to medics and a watchdog.
A senior Hamas official said long-delayed talks over the ceasefire’s second phase would need to begin the day of the release and last no longer than 50 days. Israel would also need to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Israel has said it won’t withdraw there, citing the need to combat weapons smuggling.