i24-Iran FM Claims Hamas Could Release Hostages For Halt To Airstrikes

Hamda Salhut at i24 posts on X: "Iran’s Foreign Ministry says that Hamas is potentially ready to release the nearly 200 hostages if Israel stops its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.Hamas has NOT yet acknowledged the Iranian claims. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spox Nasser Kanaani: Hamas officials “stated that they are ready to take necessary measures to release the citizens and civilians held by resistance groups, but their point was that such measures require preparations that are impossible under daily bombardment by the Zionists against various parts of Gaza.”

• There remains a significant amount of disinformation swirling around the prospects of anything from a ceasefire to an all-out Israeli assault on Gaza, and as such these comments - albeit from a reputable outlet - should be viewed with some caution. Any move towards confirmation of this 'offer' from Hamas could signal a greater prospect of de-escalation, but it remains unclear whether for Israel the die is already cast with regards to an imminent incursion into Gaza
• Jeremy Bowen at the BBC on what could come next in Gaza: [...] if Hamas is removed - who is going to take control and govern there? There is some speculation the rival Palestinian faction Fatah might come in - but that would effectively be on the back of an Israeli tank and would therefore lack credibility.The Israelis don’t want to occupy Gaza, but they might be forced to for a while if there is no viable alternative..."