Hamas refuses Israeli demand for release of 40 living hostages in truce deal

Israel has told Hamas that it must release 40 living hostages as part of a proposed truce agreement, Israeli television networks report.

According to the reports, Hamas has claimed it in order to do so, it would have to release male Israeli troops, as the terror group isn’t in possession of 40 living elderly, women and female soldiers. Hamas however is refusing to free any male soldiers it captured on October 7 and wants to release fewer than 40 hostages, the Kan public broadcaster says, while describing the issue as the biggest obstacle in the ongoing negotiations, according to The Times of Israel.

The broadcaster also says Israel is demanding the 40 hostages be freed during the first stage of the proposed weeks-long ceasefire deal, and quotes an Israeli official insisting Hamas does in fact have 40 captives who meet the criteria for release.

Channel 12 news, which has a similar report, cites a senior diplomatic official who accuses Hamas chief in Gaza Yahha Sinwar “of constantly dragging his feet and opposing an agreement.”