AGENCY
Jerusalem, Feb 19
Amid the conflict in West Asia, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has stated it is ready to release all hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the Lebanese government has urged Israel to withdraw all its troops, especially from the southern region where IDF presence remains.
In Gaza, Hamas has stated it is ready to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
With negotiations for a second phase of the truce underway, Hamas has reportedly proposed exchanging all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners in “one go” during the second phase in order to reach a permanent truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from the war-torn strip.
However, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated that any demand aiming to remove Hamas from Gaza or to disarm it would be “unacceptable.
This statement from the militant group comes after it announced it would release six hostages and the bodies of the Bibas family on Saturday in the hostage-prisoner swap.
Lebanon Ceasefire
Despite reports of Israel violating the ceasefire with Lebanon, the Lebanese government has demanded the complete withdrawal of IDF forces from the territory.
This demand comes after Israeli troops withdrew from all regions except the south.
Speaking to reporters, Lebanese leaders stated that the Israeli military remains present in five locations. The leaders added that Beirut is in touch with France and the United States to press Israel to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon.
Based on the truce deal with Hezbollah, Israel was supposed to complete its withdrawal of troops by January 26, but this deadline was extended to February 18 after Israel refused to comply.
The Israeli military has stated that its army will maintain a presence at five hilltop locations for the protection of communities in northern Israel.
