In a televised address, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh declared that hostages abducted from Israel will only be released from Gaza under conditions set by the group. Haniyeh stated, “The enemy’s prisoners will only be released on terms set by the resistance.”
The group has communicated its stance to Qatar and Egypt, emphasizing a complete cessation of aggression against Palestinians and addressing their legitimate demands. Haniyeh firmly stated, “Hostages will not be released except under the resistance’s conditions.”
Amidst escalating tensions, the Gaza health ministry reported 207 casualties in the past 24 hours, bringing the total Palestinian death count to over 22,000. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant detailed operations focused on areas above the tunnel network in Khan Younis, where Hamas leaders are believed to be hiding.
Israel, responding to genocide accusations filed by South Africa, affirmed its commitment to defending itself. Eylon Levy, an official in the Israeli prime minister’s office, accused South Africa of providing political and legal cover to Hamas’ attack, stating, “The state of Israel will appear before the International Court of Justice at the Hague to dispel South Africa’s absurd blood libel.”
Haniyeh also expressed Hamas’ openness to a single Palestinian administration governing Gaza and the occupied West Bank, considering various initiatives concerning the internal Palestinian situation.
