Hamas 'committed' to captive release if Israel agrees to lasting ceasefire

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas said it has agreed to reach an agreement with Israel if its conditions, including that of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, are met, Al Jazeera reported on Friday.

Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the Hamas' political bureau, affirmed, “Hamas is serious about releasing Israeli captives within the framework of an agreement” that stresses the liberation of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

At least 17 countries, including Israel's closest ally the United States, issued on Wednesday an appeal for Hamas to release captives as a crucial step towards resolving the crisis in Gaza.

“We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now for over 200 days,” the leaders of the 17 countries said.

Besides the US, the countries include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The diplomatic talks between leaders mentioned that “the deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, that would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities”.

Read Israel readies for Rafah assault; massive Gaza airstrikes end weeks of relative calm

Another meeting between Egyptian and Israeli officials was anticipated in Cairo today.

Al Jazeera's reporter in Washington DC Mike Hanna deemed that the statement aims to increase pressure on Hamas amid continued negotiations.

“There’s no mention whatsoever of any concomitant release of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel by the Israeli government, but this is stepping up pressure on Hamas, it would appear, as these negotiations grind forward,” he said.

A grave humanitarian situation persists after Israel intensified its military operations in Rafah, bordering Egypt, and extending across Gaza. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said that Israel is now proceeding with its plan to invade the southern part of Rafah where approximately 1.5 million displaced Gazans have sought shelter.

The UN and other entities continue to stress Israel to allow more aid.

“We’re afraid people will resort to killing each other for food,” eleven-year-old Husam who has sought refuge in Rafah told Al Jazeera.