Gaza/Tel Aviv – Hamas has issued a new condition for the release of the final Israeli hostages, demanding a complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip before any remaining captives are freed. The ultimatum adds a fresh layer of complexity to already tense negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and resolving the hostage crisis.
In a statement released through its political wing, Hamas declared that it would not accept partial or phased withdrawals, insisting instead on a full military exit as a prerequisite. “The withdrawal of all occupation forces from Gaza is non-negotiable. Only then will the last hostage be released,” the group said.
The demand comes as international mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, continue to push for a deal that would end months of intense fighting and pave the way for a longer-term truce. Israel, however, has repeatedly stated that military pressure is essential to weaken Hamas and secure the hostages, making the group’s latest condition a potential roadblock to progress.
Israeli officials have so far rejected calls for a complete withdrawal, arguing that doing so would allow Hamas to regroup and reestablish control over key areas. “We cannot simply walk away and hand Gaza back to Hamas. Security for our citizens remains the top priority,” an Israeli government spokesperson said.
The issue of hostages has been one of the most sensitive and politically charged aspects of the conflict. While dozens were released in earlier negotiations, a small number remain in Hamas custody, and their fate has become a focal point of both domestic pressure on the Israeli government and international diplomatic efforts.
Families of hostages have grown increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of talks. Demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have called for swifter action to bring the captives home, with some urging the government to consider compromises to secure their release.
For Hamas, the demand for full withdrawal appears aimed at leveraging the remaining hostages to achieve a strategic gain — forcing Israel to end its military campaign without further conditions. For Israel, agreeing to such terms would be seen as a significant concession, one that could reshape the post-war landscape of Gaza.
Mediators now face the difficult task of bridging the wide gap between both sides. As fighting continues and diplomatic pressure builds, the future of the hostages and the direction of the conflict hang in a delicate balance.