Hamas consents to the liberation of ten Israeli captives
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023, a significant development has emerged in the hostage situation. As of early July 2025, approximately 20 Israeli hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, following Hamas attacks in October 2023. The hostages, all young men, are reported to be in poor physical condition after more than 21 months in captivity [1][3].
In a positive turn of events, Hamas has agreed to release 10 hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel. However, other critical matters remain under discussion, including the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the territory, and guarantees for a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has described their approach to the negotiations as "serious and in a positive spirit," indicating a willingness to move forward but without confirming complete progress yet [2].
The negotiations, which have been ongoing since Sunday, are being mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The parties involved are working diligently to overcome obstacles and reach a comprehensive agreement. A proposal for a 60-day ceasefire by international mediators is also on the table [2].
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 hostages, according to the Israeli army. To date, at least 251 people have been taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip during the conflict. The destruction of Hamas remains a central goal of Israel, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [4][5].
Netanyahu has emphasized his government's focus on securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. He met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing situation [6]. Key issues such as the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the withdrawal of the Israeli army remain unresolved.
This suggests that while some progress on hostage release is underway, the situation remains fluid with key points still being negotiated to secure a broader ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
References: [1] Israeli officials briefed recently. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/01/israeli-officials-20-hostages-still-alive-in-gaza/ [2] Hamas agrees to release 10 hostages in Gaza ceasefire talks. (2025, July 4). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-agrees-release-10-hostages-gaza-ceasefire-talks-2025-07-04/ [3] Hostages in Gaza: The forgotten victims of the conflict. (2025, July 1). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57901201 [4] Netanyahu emphasizes Israel's focus on securing hostage release in Gaza. (2025, June 30). Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-677876 [5] The destruction of Hamas remains a central goal of Israel. (2023, October 8). Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-destruction-of-hamas-remains-a-central-goal-of-israel/ [6] Trump meets with Netanyahu amid Gaza conflict. (2025, July 6). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/06/politics/trump-meets-netanyahu-gaza/index.html
The Community and Employment policies of both Israel and Hamas may play a crucial role in the negotiations, as the release of hostages is linked to a broader ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict, including war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice, continues to evolve with key issues such as humanitarian aid and troop withdrawal still under discussion.
