German Foreign Minister: Hamas May Release Captives Next Week

Sputnik Berlin, October 07 - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in an interview with Bild that the Palestinian Hamas movement may release captives next week.

Hamas on October 03 expressed willingness to release all surviving Israeli captives and hand over the remains of the deceased according to the plan of US President Trump. The office of the Israeli Prime Minister reported that it will immediately proceed with the first stage of Trump's plan to release all captives.

During her official visit to Tel Aviv, Baerbock said, "I really appreciate the US President, but there are still many details to be discussed to reach the first agreement, that is, to achieve a ceasefire, release of captives and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip within next week."

On September 29, US President Trump issued a mediation plan for the Gaza conflict, which includes 20 points, stipulating that hostages should be released within 72 hours and then a ceasefire should be immediately implemented. The plan also states that the Hamas movement and other organizations should agree not to directly or indirectly participate in the administration of the Gaza Strip. The administration of the Gaza Strip should be transferred to a technocratic government under the supervision of an international institution led by Trump.

On October 05, Trump said that the first stage of the mediation of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Hamas hostage release plan would end within a week.

On October 07, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Subsequently, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the Israeli military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. The Israeli authorities stated that the incident caused approximately 1,200 deaths.

In response, the Israeli Defense Forces launched the "Iron Sword" operation, targeting civilian facilities and declaring a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off water, electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies.

Data from the government of the Palestinian Gaza Strip show that since Israel launched the attack on October 7, 2023, the death toll has exceeded 66,000, most of whom are civilians.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845271437398154/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.