Hamas broken by Israel's rapid action: Ready to release all remaining hostages in Gaza, read sensational update

New Delhi, 18 April 2025: The 17-month-long war between Israel and Hamas (Israel-Hamas Conflict) has taken a new turn. Hamas has finally surrendered after Israel's rapid military operations. According to the latest news, Hamas is ready to release all 59 remaining hostages in Gaza, provided Israel ends the war permanently and withdraws its forces from Gaza. This announcement was made by the Hamas Gaza Chief on 17 April 2025, after which mediation talks between Egypt and Qatar (Egypt-Qatar Mediation) have intensified. Is this the end of the war, or just another strategy? Let us understand this sensational development with facts.

Hamas' declaration and Israel's stance

On 17 April 2025, Reuters reported that Hamas' Gaza chief said, "We are ready to release all hostages immediately if Israel agrees to end the war and withdraw its forces from Gaza." The statement came after Israel's recent attacks, which killed more than 500 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza since 18 March 2025. Hamas called it a "war crime", but was forced to come to the negotiating table given its weak position.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded cautiously to the proposal. He said, "Our action will continue until the complete destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Talks will only take place if Hamas releases the hostages unconditionally." Israel claims that only 24 of the 59 hostages are alive, including an American-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander.

History of the Hostage Crisis

The Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023 killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. The first phase of the ceasefire deal, which began in January 2025, saw the release of 33 hostages, 25 alive and 8 dead. In return, Israel released 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. On 26 February 2025, the bodies of four hostages—Shlomo Mansoor, Ohad Yahlomi, Tsachi Idan, and Itzik Elgart—were returned, whom Israel described as "murdered by Hamas".

Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, of which 24 are expected to be alive. These include four soldiers and several Nova Music Festival employees. Hamas had previously offered an "all-for-all deal", demanding the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for all hostages.

Israeli military strategy and Hamas' weakness

Israel intensified attacks in Gaza after the ceasefire ended in March 2025. More than 500 Palestinians were killed in attacks from March 18 to March 20, and Gaza's health ministry described it as a "massacre". Israel targeted leaders of Hamas' administrative and civilian wing, such as Deputy Minister of Interior Major General Mahmoud Abu Tuffah. Israel blocked all aid supplies to Gaza, which human rights organizations described as "collective punishment".

These attacks weakened Hamas. The destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, shortages of food, water, and fuel further worsened Hamas' situation. Experts believe that Hamas is now strategically moving towards negotiations, as it cannot face Israel in a military confrontation.

Mediation and global response

Egypt, Qatar, and the US are mediating this ceasefire. Egypt condemned Israel's attacks, calling it a "violation of the ceasefire". US mediator Steve Witkoff pressured Hamas to release the hostages, otherwise it would have to face "serious consequences". On the other hand, Hamas accused the US of "supporting Israel's war crimes".

#IsraelHamasCeasefire and #GazaHostages are trending on social media. Many users described Hamas' announcement as a "sign of defeat", while some called Israel's aid halt "inhuman". India has taken a neutral stand in this matter, but has advocated humanitarian aid in gaza, 

Future prospects

This announcement by Hamas may be a step towards the end of the war, but many challenges remain. Israel demands that Hamas lay down arms completely, while Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire. Mediators say the next few days will be crucial, 

Conclusion

Israel's rapid attacks have forced Hamas to talk about releasing all the hostages remaining in Gaza. But this offer is conditional, and Israel's tough policy is complicating it. Talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar will determine the future of this war. Will this ceasefire be permanent, or will violence erupt again in Gaza? This question remains unanswered, but the hope of release of hostages has kept the world's eyes on the region.