Israel pressures Hamas to release hostages as ceasefire talks continue

Israel has reportedly demanded that Hamas release 11 hostages still in captivity and return the bodies of 16 deceased captives as a condition for continuing the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

According to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, citing sources within Hamas, the militant group informed mediators on March 14 that it was prepared to release a hostage holding US citizenship and return the remains of four deceased captives who had dual nationality, per Caliber.Az.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem described this as a "positive gesture" to advance the ongoing negotiations but emphasised that it did not indicate a willingness to renegotiate the fundamental terms of the truce agreement. “Hamas reaffirms its full readiness to start negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire deal and to reach an agreement on this issue,” Qassem stated.

The latest round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas began on March 12 in Doha, with Qatar serving as a mediator and representatives from the US administration participating. These talks are crucial as both sides seek to navigate the next steps of the ceasefire deal that was first agreed upon in January.

The ceasefire agreement, reached on January 15, was structured into three phases and went into effect on January 19. The first phase, which ended on March 1, saw the release of 33 Israeli hostages — both living and deceased. In exchange, Israel freed more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, with some of them being expelled from Palestinian territories.

While the first phase of the deal was implemented, uncertainties remain over the next stages. Hamas has insisted that any further hostage releases must come with additional concessions, including guarantees on security and humanitarian aid for Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has indicated that it will not proceed with further agreements unless all remaining hostages are freed.

The hostage negotiations are unfolding amid increasing international pressure on both sides to maintain the ceasefire and work toward a more lasting resolution. The US and Qatar have played a pivotal role in facilitating indirect discussions, with Washington advocating for an extended truce while balancing its strategic ties with Israel.

At the same time, tensions remain high within Israel, where public opinion is divided. While many families of hostages have pushed the government to prioritize negotiations, hardline factions insist that military operations should continue until Hamas is completely dismantled.

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with international organizations warning of severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials. The negotiations over hostage exchanges and ceasefire terms are seen as key to preventing further escalation.

By Tamilla Hasanova