The military wing of Hamas said on Sunday that it has found the body of another hostage during the ongoing search operations for the slain hostages. “We will transfer the body today if the conditions on the ground are suitable,” it said, adding that “any Zionist escalation will complicate the search and digging operations and the recovery of the bodies, which will lead to a delay in the occupation’s receipt of the bodies.”&nbsp;“Today, the Al-Qassam Brigades found the body of one of the Israeli captives during ongoing search operations,” the group said on its Telegram channel.If the handover takes place, it will be the 13th deceased hostage returned by Hamas since the ceasefire took effect last week.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thieves-used-cherry-picker-angle-grinder-in-7-minute-louvre-museum-heist-pulled-off-like-a-breeze-1760880195775">Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze</a>&nbsp;On Saturday, Hamas had handed over “two coffins of deceased hostages” from Gaza, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increased pressure on the militant group to share the rest more quickly under their ceasefire.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Red Cross had notified the Israeli military that it has collected two caskets, with the apparent bodies of two slain hostages, from Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. The bodies were later taken to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Israel for identification.&nbsp;Israel announced earlier on Saturday that Gaza’s sole crossing with the outside world, Rafah, would stay closed “until further notice,” tying it to Hamas’ release of the remains of all slain hostages.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-trump-rallies-sweep-across-us-states-and-world-as-huge-crowds-turn-up-in-no-kings-protests-1760818449941">Anti-Trump rallies sweep across US and world as huge crowds turn up in No Kings protests</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Hamas’ armed wing said on Saturday that it will hand over the bodies of two more hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Saudi Al-Hadath channel reported that the target of an Israeli strike in central Gaza on Sunday was Yahya al-Mabhouh, a commander in the Nukhba forces—the elite unit of Hamas’s military wing—in northern Gaza.&nbsp;Al-Mabhouh’s name appeared earlier in Palestinian reports as one of six people killed in a strike west of Deir al-Balah.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-returns-15-palestinian-bodies-identifies-remains-of-another-hostage-1760805411307">Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies, identifies remains of another hostage</a>&nbsp;The IDF also repeated an urgent warning to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to avoid entering areas under Israeli control and not to approach Israeli troops.&nbsp;“In the wake of repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and the criminal attack carried out by Hamas terror elements this morning, the IDF will respond with great force against terror infrastructure and Hamas elements,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee warned.

If the handover takes place, it will be the 13th deceased hostage returned by Hamas since the ceasefire came into effect last week. The group said on its Telegram channel that the Al-Qassam Brigades found the body of one of the Israeli captives on Sunday during ongoing search operations.

The military wing of Hamas said on Sunday that it has found the body of another hostage during the ongoing search operations for the slain hostages. “We will transfer the body today if the conditions on the ground are suitable,” it said, adding that “any Zionist escalation will complicate the search and digging operations and the recovery of the bodies, which will lead to a delay in the occupation’s receipt of the bodies.” “Today, the Al-Qassam Brigades found the body of one of the Israeli captives during ongoing search operations,” the group said on its Telegram channel. If the handover takes place, it will be the 13th deceased hostage returned by Hamas since the ceasefire took effect last week. Also Read: Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze On Saturday, Hamas had handed over “two coffins of deceased hostages” from Gaza, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increased pressure on the militant group to share the rest more quickly under their ceasefire. The Red Cross had notified the Israeli military that it has collected two caskets, with the apparent bodies of two slain hostages, from Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. The bodies were later taken to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Israel for identification. Israel announced earlier on Saturday that Gaza’s sole crossing with the outside world, Rafah, would stay closed “until further notice,” tying it to Hamas’ release of the remains of all slain hostages. Also Read: Anti-Trump rallies sweep across US and world as huge crowds turn up in No Kings protests Earlier, Hamas’ armed wing said on Saturday that it will hand over the bodies of two more hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. Meanwhile, the Saudi Al-Hadath channel reported that the target of an Israeli strike in central Gaza on Sunday was Yahya al-Mabhouh, a commander in the Nukhba forces—the elite unit of Hamas’s military wing—in northern Gaza. Al-Mabhouh’s name appeared earlier in Palestinian reports as one of six people killed in a strike west of Deir al-Balah. Also Read: Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies, identifies remains of another hostage The IDF also repeated an urgent warning to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to avoid entering areas under Israeli control and not to approach Israeli troops. “In the wake of repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and the criminal attack carried out by Hamas terror elements this morning, the IDF will respond with great force against terror infrastructure and Hamas elements,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee warned.

If the handover takes place, it will be the 13th deceased hostage returned by Hamas since the ceasefire came into effect last week. The group said on its Telegram channel that the Al-Qassam Brigades found the body of one of the Israeli captives on Sunday during ongoing search operations.

‘Will hand over body of another hostage if conditions suitable,’ says Hamas

On Oct 9, US President Donald Trump announced the end of the war between Israel and Hamas. He also said it was a proud moment for all Americans. 

In Pics | Rummaging for hope: Hamas and Israel begin hostage exchange

Hamas will begin releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza on Monday morning, a senior official from the group told AFP. As part of the first phase of the deal, Hamas will free the captives — 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive — in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. “According to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is set to begin on Monday morning as agreed,” Hamas official Osama Hamdan said Saturday (Oct 11). The exchange will take place ahead of an international summit chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-miracles-happen-when-courage-meets-conviction-trump-envoy-steve-witkoff-tells-rally-at-hostages-square-1760211910173">‘Miracles happen when courage meets conviction,’ Trump envoy Steve Witkoff tells rally at Hostages’ Square</a><h2>Over 20 nations to take part in international peace summit</h2>The Egyptian presidency said more than 20 countries will attend the meeting, aimed at bringing about an end to “the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and usher in a new era of regional security and stability.”UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron have confirmed attendance. However, as per reports, there was no immediate word on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be present. Hamas said it will not take part directly, saying it had "acted principally through... Qatari and Egyptian mediators".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-war-can-be-stopped-in-one-region-zelensky-calls-on-trump-to-broker-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-after-peace-in-gaza-1760192521102">Zelensky calls on Trump to broker Russia-Ukraine ceasefire after peace in Gaza</a><h2>Complex second phase</h2>Despite the breakthrough, talks on the next phase remain uncertain. Hamas officials say the second stage of Trump’s plan — which calls for the group to hand over weapons and step aside from governing Gaza — “contains many complexities.” One Hamas official, speaking to AFP on the condition of anonymity, said disarming was “out of the question.”Under Trump’s proposal, Israel will conduct a phased withdrawal from Gaza’s cities, to be replaced by a multinational force involving Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, coordinated through a US-led command centre in Israel.

Hamas said it will start releasing Israeli hostages on Monday in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The move precedes a major peace summit in Egypt led by Trump and el-Sisi, with over 20 nations attending. 

Hamas will begin releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza on Monday morning, a senior official from the group told AFP. As part of the first phase of the deal, Hamas will free the captives — 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive — in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. “According to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is set to begin on Monday morning as agreed,” Hamas official Osama Hamdan said Saturday (Oct 11). The exchange will take place ahead of an international summit chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Also read | ‘Miracles happen when courage meets conviction,’ Trump envoy Steve Witkoff tells rally at Hostages’ Square Over 20 nations to take part in international peace summit The Egyptian presidency said more than 20 countries will attend the meeting, aimed at bringing about an end to “the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and usher in a new era of regional security and stability.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron have confirmed attendance. However, as per reports, there was no immediate word on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be present. Hamas said it will not take part directly, saying it had "acted principally through... Qatari and Egyptian mediators". Also read | Zelensky calls on Trump to broker Russia-Ukraine ceasefire after peace in Gaza Complex second phase Despite the breakthrough, talks on the next phase remain uncertain. Hamas officials say the second stage of Trump’s plan — which calls for the group to hand over weapons and step aside from governing Gaza — “contains many complexities.” One Hamas official, speaking to AFP on the condition of anonymity, said disarming was “out of the question.” Under Trump’s proposal, Israel will conduct a phased withdrawal from Gaza’s cities, to be replaced by a multinational force involving Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, coordinated through a US-led command centre in Israel.

Hamas said it will start releasing Israeli hostages on Monday in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The move precedes a major peace summit in Egypt led by Trump and el-Sisi, with over 20 nations attending.&nbsp;

Hamas to begin releasing Israeli hostages Monday ahead of Trump's Egypt peace summit

The Palestinian terror group Hamas submitted its response to Trump’s Gaza plan on Friday, hours after the US president announced the Sunday deadline, and said that it is ready to release all hostages—both living and dead—as per the exchange plan outlined in the proposal. Hamas said that it will release all captives in order to end Israel’s war on Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave, reported Al Jazeera. “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this agreement,” Hamas said in a statement shared on Telegram. The group also said that it agrees to hand over the administration of Gaza to an independent body of Palestinian technocrats, “based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support”.&nbsp;Hamas issued its response to Trump’s 20-point plan after the US president, on Friday, gave the group time until Sunday to accept or reject the proposal. The group said that it accepts the peace plan but would seek further negotiations over many of its other terms.Trump did not mention whether the terms of the proposal would be subject to negotiation, as Hamas is seeking.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Hamas did not mention in its statement whether it would agree to disarm, a demand by Israel and the US that it has previously rejected.&nbsp;It said, “Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, the immediate entry of aid, the rejection of the occupation of the Strip, and the rejection of the displacement of our Palestinian people from it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The group also announced that after holding in-depth consultations within its “leadership institutions” and broad consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, it has approved releasing all occupation prisoners—both living and remains—according to the exchange formula contained in “President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange”.&nbsp;But then it added, “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details.”&nbsp;Hamas also said that it broadly agreed to the plan out of its keenness to end “the aggression and genocide being carried out against our steadfast people” in the Gaza Strip, and stemming from national responsibility, and in defence of the constants, rights, and higher interests of our people.&nbsp;“Other issues mentioned in President Trump’s proposal regarding the future of the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are connected to a unified national position and relevant international laws and resolutions,” the Hamas statement said.“They will be addressed through a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will participate and contribute responsibly,” it added.&nbsp;The White House did not immediately comment on Hamas’ response to the peace proposal backed by Israel as well as Arab and European powers.

The Palestinian group also said in a statement shared on Telegram that it agrees to hand over the administration of Gaza to an independent body of Palestinian technocrats, “based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support”.

The Palestinian terror group Hamas submitted its response to Trump’s Gaza plan on Friday, hours after the US president announced the Sunday deadline, and said that it is ready to release all hostages—both living and dead—as per the exchange plan outlined in the proposal. Hamas said that it will release all captives in order to end Israel’s war on Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave, reported Al Jazeera. “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this agreement,” Hamas said in a statement shared on Telegram. The group also said that it agrees to hand over the administration of Gaza to an independent body of Palestinian technocrats, “based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support”. Hamas issued its response to Trump’s 20-point plan after the US president, on Friday, gave the group time until Sunday to accept or reject the proposal. The group said that it accepts the peace plan but would seek further negotiations over many of its other terms. Trump did not mention whether the terms of the proposal would be subject to negotiation, as Hamas is seeking. However, Hamas did not mention in its statement whether it would agree to disarm, a demand by Israel and the US that it has previously rejected. It said, “Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, the immediate entry of aid, the rejection of the occupation of the Strip, and the rejection of the displacement of our Palestinian people from it.” The group also announced that after holding in-depth consultations within its “leadership institutions” and broad consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, it has approved releasing all occupation prisoners—both living and remains—according to the exchange formula contained in “President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange”. But then it added, “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details.” Hamas also said that it broadly agreed to the plan out of its keenness to end “the aggression and genocide being carried out against our steadfast people” in the Gaza Strip, and stemming from national responsibility, and in defence of the constants, rights, and higher interests of our people. “Other issues mentioned in President Trump’s proposal regarding the future of the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are connected to a unified national position and relevant international laws and resolutions,” the Hamas statement said. “They will be addressed through a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will participate and contribute responsibly,” it added. The White House did not immediately comment on Hamas’ response to the peace proposal backed by Israel as well as Arab and European powers.

The Palestinian group also said in a statement shared on Telegram that it agrees to hand over the administration of Gaza to an independent body of Palestinian technocrats, “based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support”.

‘Ready to release all hostages’: Hamas submits response to Trump’s Gaza plan, seeks negotiation on terms

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he does not consider Hamas a terrorist organisation, during an interview with the American news channel Fox News, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He called Hamas a ‘resistance organisation’.When asked if he considers the massacre in the Gaza Strip a genocide, Erdogan replied, "There is no other way to explain this. This is a complete genocide. The perpetrator of this genocide is Netanyahu.""Netanyahu has brutally massacred tens of thousands in this genocide. As Türkiye, we are completely against this genocide," said Erdogan.When Bret Baier asked if he thinks Hamas should release the hostages, he said it would be unjust to completely blame Hamas, after what Israel and Netanyahu have historically done to Palestine. He said that nearly 125,000 are wounded in Gaza, a significant number of whom were brought to Turkey.&nbsp;He said, "Can we say this: ‘Is Hamas stronger than Israel in terms of weapons?’ It is not possible. Israel is mercilessly using these weapons against everyone, from young to old, including women, children, and the elderly."Erdogan had reportedly shown several pictures of the Gaza massacre in his speech to the UN General Assembly. Reacting to the Humanitarian crisis in Gaza, President Erdogan said, "If you recall, Mr Trump made a statement. He said, 'I will end the Russia-Ukraine war.' Did it end? It's still going on. In the same way, he said, 'I will end the Gaza war.' Has it ended? No." When asked about Hamas, Erdogan added, "I see them as a resistance organisation."Erdogan has long supported Hamas. Following the October 7 attack, he said, Hamas is a "liberation group, 'mujahideen' waging a battle to protect its lands and people". Earlier in May 2024, during a joint press conference with the Greek Prime Minister, Erdogan defended Hamas, saying that branding Hamas as a terrorist organisation would be a mistake. Turkey have never officially designated &nbsp;Hamas as a terrorist organisation, unlike many European nations.Many Human Rights groups have reiterated that it would be problematic to call Hamas a Resistance group. Israel is historically a colonial power armed by the neo-colonial United States, has taken up indigenous Arab lands. While International law recognises the occupied people's right to resist, Hamas's existence has weakened the Political power of the Palestinian Authority. Thus, a reduced political representation has also eroded international legitimacy for the Palestinian cause. There had been numerous pieces of evidence which show Israel has allowed and aided Hamas to grow to delegitimise the PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, which was its main enemy. Netanyahu never wanted a two-state solution; he wanted to keep Hamas in power to say that there was no leadership for a Palestinian state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the UN General Assembly said he views Hamas as a resistance organisation, accused Netanyahu of committing genocide in Gaza, and condemned Israel’s actions as brutal and merciless.
 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he does not consider Hamas a terrorist organisation, during an interview with the American news channel Fox News, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He called Hamas a ‘resistance organisation’. When asked if he considers the massacre in the Gaza Strip a genocide, Erdogan replied, "There is no other way to explain this. This is a complete genocide. The perpetrator of this genocide is Netanyahu." "Netanyahu has brutally massacred tens of thousands in this genocide. As Türkiye, we are completely against this genocide," said Erdogan. When Bret Baier asked if he thinks Hamas should release the hostages, he said it would be unjust to completely blame Hamas, after what Israel and Netanyahu have historically done to Palestine. He said that nearly 125,000 are wounded in Gaza, a significant number of whom were brought to Turkey. He said, "Can we say this: ‘Is Hamas stronger than Israel in terms of weapons?’ It is not possible. Israel is mercilessly using these weapons against everyone, from young to old, including women, children, and the elderly." Erdogan had reportedly shown several pictures of the Gaza massacre in his speech to the UN General Assembly. Reacting to the Humanitarian crisis in Gaza, President Erdogan said, "If you recall, Mr Trump made a statement. He said, 'I will end the Russia-Ukraine war.' Did it end? It's still going on. In the same way, he said, 'I will end the Gaza war.' Has it ended? No." When asked about Hamas, Erdogan added, "I see them as a resistance organisation." Erdogan has long supported Hamas. Following the October 7 attack, he said, Hamas is a "liberation group, 'mujahideen' waging a battle to protect its lands and people". Earlier in May 2024, during a joint press conference with the Greek Prime Minister, Erdogan defended Hamas, saying that branding Hamas as a terrorist organisation would be a mistake. Turkey have never officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation, unlike many European nations. Many Human Rights groups have reiterated that it would be problematic to call Hamas a Resistance group. Israel is historically a colonial power armed by the neo-colonial United States, has taken up indigenous Arab lands. While International law recognises the occupied people's right to resist, Hamas's existence has weakened the Political power of the Palestinian Authority. Thus, a reduced political representation has also eroded international legitimacy for the Palestinian cause. There had been numerous pieces of evidence which show Israel has allowed and aided Hamas to grow to delegitimise the PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, which was its main enemy. Netanyahu never wanted a two-state solution; he wanted to keep Hamas in power to say that there was no leadership for a Palestinian state.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the UN General Assembly said he views Hamas as a resistance organisation, accused Netanyahu of committing genocide in Gaza, and condemned Israel’s actions as brutal and merciless. &nbsp;

'Hamas is a resistance organisation'- Erdogan's remark on the sidelines of UNGA

Hamas on Monday (Sep 22) released a new video showing hostage Alon Ohel, held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, hours after it sent a letter to US President Donald Trump demanding a 60-day truce. Hamas had earlier released a picture of Alon Ohel. The step by Hamas is seen as a tactic to build pressure on Israel as negotiations over a possible deal remain stalled. Hamas, in its letter, said that it would release half of the hostages if Trump allowed a 60-day truce. This also comes as Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have formally recognised the State of Palestine, despite disagreements over the issue with the US and Israel. Meanwhile, it seems highly unlikely that Trump would grant a 60-day truce for the release of half of the hostages, as the US president has highlighted several times that he wants all the hostages to be released. He has also warned Hamas of severe consequences if they do not release the hostages.&nbsp;Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-responds-to-trump-s-last-warning-over-gaza-hostage-deal-says-1757293132110">Hamas responds to Trump's 'last warning' over Gaza hostage deal, says...</a><h2>Hamas sends a letter to Trump</h2>According to a report by Fox News, Hamas has sent a letter to Trump asking him to personally guarantee a 60-day pause in Gaza in exchange for immediately releasing half of the hostages. The report also added that the letter is currently being held in Qatar and will be given to Trump later in the week. Qatar had said that it is putting mediation to free the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza on hold, after Israel attacked Doha to eliminate Hamas earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum requested that media outlets not publish the Hamas hostage video until the family approves.&nbsp;Last week, taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, "This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or ALL “BETS” ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!" While addressing a press conference along with UK PM Keir Starmer in London, Trump also warned that Hamas will be in "big trouble" if they use Gaza hostages as human shields.&nbsp;Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/-us-president-donald-trump-warns-hamas-over-hostages-1758022546943">US President Donald Trump warns Hamas over hostages</a><h2>Hamas welcomes recognition of the Palestinian State</h2>On Sunday (Sep 21), Hamas released a statement welcoming the announcement by Canada, Australia and UK to recognise the State of Palestine. It urged the international community and the United Nations to isolate Israel and end all forms of cooperation with it. Hamas called the move a “deserved outcome” of the Palestinian people's enduring struggle, resilience, and sacrifices in pursuit of liberation and return. It stressed that symbolic recognition must be followed by concrete actions, including an immediate halt to what it termed the “brutal war of genocide” in Gaza. It condemned the Israeli regime’s continued violations of international law and humanitarian standards, citing “heinous abuses” against Palestinians.&nbsp;Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-confused-about-gaza-hostage-count-gives-conflicting-numbers-says-young-beautiful-dead-people-1757136796165">Trump confused about Gaza hostage count? Gives conflicting numbers, says 'young, beautiful dead people…'</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hamas released a new video of hostage Alon Ohel and sent a letter to US President Donald Trump offering a 60-day Gaza truce in exchange for releasing half the hostages. The letter, held in Qatar, follows growing international recognition of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Hamas on Monday (Sep 22) released a new video showing hostage Alon Ohel, held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, hours after it sent a letter to US President Donald Trump demanding a 60-day truce. Hamas had earlier released a picture of Alon Ohel. The step by Hamas is seen as a tactic to build pressure on Israel as negotiations over a possible deal remain stalled. Hamas, in its letter, said that it would release half of the hostages if Trump allowed a 60-day truce. This also comes as Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have formally recognised the State of Palestine, despite disagreements over the issue with the US and Israel. Meanwhile, it seems highly unlikely that Trump would grant a 60-day truce for the release of half of the hostages, as the US president has highlighted several times that he wants all the hostages to be released. He has also warned Hamas of severe consequences if they do not release the hostages. Read more | Hamas responds to Trump's 'last warning' over Gaza hostage deal, says... Hamas sends a letter to Trump According to a report by Fox News, Hamas has sent a letter to Trump asking him to personally guarantee a 60-day pause in Gaza in exchange for immediately releasing half of the hostages. The report also added that the letter is currently being held in Qatar and will be given to Trump later in the week. Qatar had said that it is putting mediation to free the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza on hold, after Israel attacked Doha to eliminate Hamas earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum requested that media outlets not publish the Hamas hostage video until the family approves. Last week, taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, "This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or ALL “BETS” ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!" While addressing a press conference along with UK PM Keir Starmer in London, Trump also warned that Hamas will be in "big trouble" if they use Gaza hostages as human shields. Read more | US President Donald Trump warns Hamas over hostages Hamas welcomes recognition of the Palestinian State On Sunday (Sep 21), Hamas released a statement welcoming the announcement by Canada, Australia and UK to recognise the State of Palestine. It urged the international community and the United Nations to isolate Israel and end all forms of cooperation with it. Hamas called the move a “deserved outcome” of the Palestinian people's enduring struggle, resilience, and sacrifices in pursuit of liberation and return. It stressed that symbolic recognition must be followed by concrete actions, including an immediate halt to what it termed the “brutal war of genocide” in Gaza. It condemned the Israeli regime’s continued violations of international law and humanitarian standards, citing “heinous abuses” against Palestinians. Read more | Trump confused about Gaza hostage count? Gives conflicting numbers, says 'young, beautiful dead people…'

Hamas released a new video of hostage Alon Ohel and sent a letter to US President Donald Trump offering a 60-day Gaza truce in exchange for releasing half the hostages. The letter, held in Qatar, follows growing international recognition of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Hamas sends letter to Trump proposing 60-day ceasefire, releases video of hostage Alon Ohel

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‘Will hand over body of another hostage if conditions suitable,’ says Hamas

In Pics | Rummaging for hope: Hamas and Israel begin hostage exchange

Hamas to begin releasing Israeli hostages starting THIS day

Hamas submits response to Trump’s Gaza plan, says ready to release all hostages

'Hamas is a resistance organisation'- Erdogan's remark on the sidelines of UNGA

Hamas writes to Trump proposing 60-day ceasefire, releases video of hostage