Israel issues an ultimatum to Hamas: it is about the release of hostages

Israel has warned Hamas that the IDF will enter Rafah if the militants do not accept an agreement to release hostages. It is about the release of 20 to 40 people: women, the elderly, and informed persons.

This was stated by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, The Jerusalem Post reports. According to him, if Hamas does not accept these conditions, Israel will conduct a large-scale military operation.

Katz emphasized that the release of hostages held by Hamas is a deep priority for his country. A total of 133 people remain in captivity.

"If there is a possibility to reach an agreement, we will do so. If an agreement is reached, we will suspend the operation," the Israeli Foreign Minister said.

Hamas said that on Saturday, April 27, it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal and is studying it before sending a response.

The proposal included the possibility of the militants releasing some hostages in exchange for a pause in the war. Israel is also expected to release Palestinian prisoners and terrorists held in its prisons.

As a reminder, on April 20, regular anti-government protests took place in several cities in Israel. People demanding the release of hostages taken by Hamas terrorists and the holding of new elections in the country took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and other cities.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Israel's military considers the city of Rafah to be the last major Hamas strong hold in the Palestinian enclave, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

- The United States has admitted that it is in ongoing discussions with Israel regarding the IDF operation in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

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