Hamas says 50 hostages killed in Israeli raid

Hamas's armed wing claims that about 50 hostages held by the group in the Gaza Strip have been killed in Israeli air strikes.

The information was given by Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the al-Qassam Brigades, today, but did not provide any further details. Khaled Meshaal, a former Hamas leader, said on October 23 that 22 hostages had been killed in Israeli airstrikes.

The Israeli military said earlier in the day that the number of hostages in the Gaza Strip had increased to 224 from 222 previously, including Israeli citizens, foreigners, dual nationals, and could increase further.

Hamas has so far released four hostages, including two Americans and two Israelis. Analysts say that by releasing the hostages in a "drop by drop" manner, Hamas seems to want to show its willingness to negotiate, as well as delay Israel's ground offensive.

Relatives of those held hostage by Hamas hold a prayer service in Jerusalem on October 25. Photo: Reuters — Relatives of those held hostage by Hamas hold a prayer service in Jerusalem on October 25. Photo: *Reuters*

Former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said the group would release the hostages if Israel stopped its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. However, Israel has shown no signs of stopping its attacks. US President Joe Biden said that ceasefire talks to end the conflict could only take place if all the hostages were released.

Qatar's top negotiators say all civilians held hostage in Gaza could be released within days if all sides stop fighting. Qatari Foreign Minister and senior negotiator Mohammed Al Khulaifi said talks to free the hostages were difficult but were making progress.

"The increasing violence every day and the continuous bombings make our mission more difficult. Our goal is to release all the hostages. We are trying our best and hope to achieve our goal in the coming days," he said.

Any escalation in fighting between the two sides, including an Israeli ground offensive, would threaten efforts to negotiate the release of the hostages, he said.

Israel has launched a full blockade of the Gaza Strip in response to a Hamas raid that killed more than 1,400 people on October 7. Gaza health officials said today that 7,028 Palestinians, including 2,913 children, have been killed by Israeli airstrikes.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said on October 26 that Hamas was holding hostages in addition to Israel. Israel had the right to defend itself and act to prevent any future Hamas attacks, but this could not justify a total blockade of Gaza or a ban on humanitarian convoys. "That cannot be an excuse to starve people," he said.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters , Sky News )

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