Hamas has encountered difficulties in complying with the terms of a potential ceasefire deal, as it currently lacks the capacity to locate and release the required number of Israeli hostages, according to Israeli officials and sources familiar with the discussions. This revelation has raised concerns over the fate of these hostages, with fears that some may have already perished.
The proposed framework stipulates that during an initial six-week cessation of hostilities, Hamas should release 40 hostages, particularly focusing on women, sick individuals, and the elderly. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas has informed international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, that it does not possess 40 living hostages who meet the specified criteria for release.
CNN’s examination of the hostage situation aligns with Hamas’ assertion that there are fewer than 40 hostages meeting the proposed conditions. This inability or reluctance on Hamas’ part to identify which hostages will be released alive poses a significant obstacle to the negotiation process.
In response to Hamas’ shortfall in meeting the required number of hostages, Israel has urged Hamas to include younger male hostages, potentially including soldiers, in the initial release. Despite repeated requests from Israel for a comprehensive list of hostages and their conditions, Hamas contends that it requires a cessation of hostilities to effectively locate and gather the hostages.
The hostages remaining from the October 7 attack, which amounted to over 250, are believed to be predominantly male IDF soldiers or individuals of military reserve age. Hamas is anticipated to leverage these hostages in subsequent negotiation phases to secure more substantial concessions, including the release of high-level prisoners and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office disclosed that out of the 129 hostages from the October 7 attack currently held, 33 have been confirmed dead.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
