Hamas' Hostage Threats Escalate as Israel Faces Pressure

Hamas has stated that there will be no new captive swap with Israel until the aggression against Gaza ends, dismissing reports of a possible release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. Hamas believes that the Israeli media reports are meant to mislead the public and relieve pressure on the Israeli government. Israel, on the other hand, believes in opening a new path for a prisoner exchange deal within the framework of a truce. The recent exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel took place during a 7-day pause in the Gaza war, mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Hamas still holds 137 captives, and talks over Israeli soldiers being kept in Gaza will be held at a later stage.