A person looks at a poster depicting hostages and missing persons in Tel Aviv, Israel, as residents of Tel Aviv show support and solidarity with the families of hostages held in Gaza as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in October. 21st, 2023.Reuters/Ammar Awad Obtaining license rights
JERUSALEM, Oct 21 (Reuters) – Israel on Saturday called “propaganda” Hamas’ claims that the militant group wanted to release two more hostages on humanitarian grounds but that Israel had refused to accept. Stated.
Abu Ubaydah, a spokesman for the Hamas militant group, announced the group’s intention to release two more people on Friday, the same day Hamas militants released American Judith Tai Lanan and her daughter Natalie. He said he had informed Qatar.
Abu Ubaydah said in a later statement that Hamas was prepared to release the two men on Sunday “using the same procedures” involved in freeing Judith and Natalie.
Palestinian groups carried out deadly attacks in southern Israel on October 7, capturing around 210 people. Qatar, which helped mediate Friday’s release, had no immediate comment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a brief statement that it “does not address false propaganda by Hamas.”
The statement added, “We will continue to take all possible measures to bring all abducted and missing persons back to their home countries.”
Reporting by Emily Rose, Hatem Maher in Dubai and Andrew Mills in Doha.Editing: Allison Williams and Daniel Wallis
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