Unnamed officials asserted the negotiations, which included Qatar, were intended to release 50 prisoners.
The Wall Street Journal has claimed that negotiations over the fate of 50 captives, which involved the US, Israel, and Hamas on opposite sides, have failed. However, the Palestinian insurgent organisation did free two Americans on Friday, citing “humanitarian reasons.”
The WSJ reported on Saturday that the discussions, which were mediated by Qatar, had been difficult and that Israel and Hamas had had no communication at all during the first week. The article was based on statements made by multiple unidentified sources.
The Palestinian terrorist organisation listed a number of prerequisites, including a “temporary cease-fire, Israel resuming water supplies to Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid to the territory,” according to the outlet. According to the article, the alleged contract was ultimately unable to be completed.
However, on Friday, Hamas did consent to release two hostages. The organisation claimed in a statement that “in response to Qatari efforts, Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas’ military wing) released two American citizens for humanitarian reasons.”
An unnamed US official was quoted by the WSJ as saying that Qatar’s leadership has been “very helpful.” However, the official noted, the ongoing Israeli assault of Gaza is not aiding efforts to liberate the detainees.
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Hamas claims to be keeping 200 people at the moment, with a further 50 being held by various other militant organisations in the enclave. According to Hamas, twenty prisoners have died as a result of Israeli airstrikes.
Khaled Mashaal, a top Hamas official, said earlier this week that foreigners would be released “when circumstances allow” in exchange for Palestinian prisoners of Israel.
Following the attack by Hamas earlier this month, more than 20 Americans have been reported missing, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday.
On October 7, a new round of hostilities between Hamas and Israel broke out after a surprise invasion by Palestinian militants and a huge missile barrage by Israel.
Local authorities on both sides report that thousands more people have been injured as a result of the most recent round of violence, which has killed nearly 4,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis. Human rights organisations and the United Nations have issued alerts about an impending humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
