Israel ready to pause fighting again for more hostages

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has told ambassadors from around the world the country is prepared to agree to a second humanitarian pause in fighting in exchange for the return of more hostages held by Hamas.

Hamas, the Islamic militant group considered a terrorist organisation by the US and European Union, still holds about 129 of the initial 240 or more people it abducted from Israel during its deadly attack on October 7.

“I can reiterate the fact that Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages,” Herzog said on Tuesday. “The responsibility lies fully with Sinwar and the leadership of Hamas,” he said, referring to the group’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

Hamas said in a statement on Telegram it is “categorically rejecting” negotiations over prisoner exchange, while Israel’s attack on Gaza is ongoing. The group added, however, a willingness to engage with “any initiative that contributes to ending the aggression on our people, and opening the crossings to bring in aid”.

Almost 19,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the enclave, alongside widespread destruction of homes and other infrastructure. Israel says 1200 people were left dead after the initial incursion by Hamas fighters, and has vowed to destroy the group to avoid a repeat attack.