In a recent briefing, Ghazi Hamad, a spokesman for Hamas, discussed the involvement of Qatar in negotiations over the release of detained citizens. He described Qatar as playing a pivotal role in securing the freedom of two individuals recently, underscoring the importance of dialogue and regional mediation in these sensitive matters.
Hamad indicated that Hamas stands ready to release the hostages, but emphasized that certain conditions must be met first. He pointed to an immediate cessation of hostilities and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as essential prerequisites for any potential release agreement.
Speaking about the broader dynamics, Hamad noted ongoing contacts with allies in Qatar, reiterating that these contacts have helped advance discussions and contributed to progress in recent days. The spokesman suggested that such mediation could be a key channel for further progress if conditions on the ground shift in a constructive direction.
He warned that an Israeli ground operation could drastically worsen the situation in Gaza, potentially placing the hostages at greater risk. While he did not offer assurances about the safety of every individual, Hamad cautioned that the regional and international context would become markedly more volatile if military actions intensified.
Israeli officials have described the current captures as numbering around 203 people, including foreign nationals. A representative from the militant wing of the Abu Ubaidah faction indicated that approximately 200 to 250 hostages are connected to supporters of the movement, with some identified as foreign citizens, including a Russian national. These figures illustrate the high level of international concern surrounding the hostages and the complex web of potential negotiations.
Earlier statements from Hamas indicated that foreign hostages would be released only when conditions permitted, signaling a cautious approach that ties any potential move to broader security and humanitarian considerations.