Iran’s Foreign Ministry claimed on Monday that Hamas was ready to release its hostages if Israel ceased its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, as the number of hostages known to be held by the terrorist group rose to at least 199.
Hamas officials expressed their readiness to release hostages, but they deemed it “impossible” due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that at least 199 hostages are known to be held in Gaza, with families notified. It was not disclosed how many of the captives were foreigners, but most are believed to be held by Hamas.
Iran, which has backed Hamas, warned that it could become involved in the conflict if Israel launched a widely anticipated ground offensive in Gaza.
The Israeli military recently stated that it is preparing various offensive plans, including an integrated attack from the air, sea, and land. Meanwhile, the Lebanon-based terrorist organization Hezbollah launched missiles into Israel, stating that it was a “warning” rather than an entry into the war.
The rising numbers of hostages held by Hamas and Iran’s warning of potential involvement underscore the complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and prevent further escalation in the region remain critical concerns.
