In a recent televised address, senior Hamas official Khalil Al Hayya stated that Hamas will not release Israeli hostages until certain conditions are met. These conditions include the cessation of aggression towards the people in Gaza, complete withdrawal of Israel from the enclave, and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Al Hayya, who has been a key negotiator for Hamas in discussions regarding a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, also paid tribute to Yahia Al Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader who recently died as a martyr. Al Hayya described Al Sinwar as a hero who bravely confronted the Israeli occupation until the end of his life.
Despite the hopes that Al Sinwar's death might lead to the end of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that the war is not yet over. Netanyahu emphasized that while a significant blow has been dealt to what he referred to as 'evil,' there is still work to be done.
