Photo: /Florian Goga/Reuters
Israel remains optimistic about extending the agreement on the release of the hostages, and the next stage of their return could take place this Saturday. This was reported by a source familiar with the negotiations, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Hamas reaffirms commitment to deal
On Thursday, the Hamas group said on Telegram that it supported the extension of the hostage deal and the ceasefire. At the same time, Reuters sources confirmed that the mediators had received guarantees from both sides that the terms of the agreement would be met.
According to the Saudi media outlet Asharq, Hamas informed Egyptian officials that it was ready to release the sixth group of hostages on Saturday. However, the militants have set a number of conditions, including the supply of fuel supplies, temporary housing modules, medical supplies, construction materials for hospitals and heavy equipment to the Gaza Strip.
HAMAS: “Not all hostages will be released”
Despite the extension of the agreement, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that the group does not plan to release all Israeli hostages this Saturday.
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant warned that if the hostages were not released, Israel would respond with force.
“If the hostages are not released by Saturday, all hell will break loose in Gaza,” Gallant said.
