Hamas: We agreed to release 10 hostages as part of talks; other points remain under discussion

By Nurit Yohanan

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9 July 2025, 10:02 pm

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Nurit Yohanan is The Times of Israel's Palestinian and Arab world correspondent

Fighters from Hamas's Qassam Brigades control the crowd as Red Cross vehicles arrive to collect Israeli hostages to be released under a ceasefire deal, in Gaza City, January 19, 2025. (AP/Abed Hajjar)

Hamas addresses the ongoing negotiations with Israel — now in their fourth day — regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that it has shown “flexibility” and agreed to release ten hostages as part of the deal.

However, it notes that other issues are still under negotiation, including the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of IDF forces from the territory and real guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.

In its statement, Hamas says that despite the challenges in the talks, it continues to act “seriously and in a positive spirit with the mediators in order to overcome the obstacles.”

This is an unusual statement from Hamas while negotiations with Israel are still ongoing. However, it does not indicate progress in the talks.