Hamas states conditions for hostage release

The Palestinian Hamas movement has stated that it is ready to release all remaining Israeli hostages in the second phase if an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

This was reported by the movement's spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, as cited by Al Jazeera.

"If an agreement is reached for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of forces from Gaza, the prisoner exchange will happen immediately. We are ready for the second phase under these conditions," said Hazem Qassem.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that following successful negotiations in Cairo, Israel expects the release of six hostages on February 22 and the return of the bodies of four deceased hostages next Thursday.

It should be noted that on January 15, with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. The three-stage agreement came into effect on January 19. During the 42-day first phase, Hamas was to release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”