Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages during the first round of the latest negotiations on a new ceasefire deal with Israel, the Al-Akhbar newspaper reported. The outlet also noted the decision would mark a change in the organization’s previous stance. The news came after the allegations Hamas was about to accept a truce agreement with Israel. NN: This story is a work in progress
Hamas again warns Israel against Rafah op
Hamas reiterates its warnings to Israel against a military operation in Rafah as such an endeavor will “end in failure,” one of the group’s senior officials, who requested to remain anonymous, told Al Jazeera. “We confirm that invading Rafah will not be a walk in the park and the occupation will pay a heavy price for any adventure it embarks on,” the official said. He added that Israel will be the one to blame if the country and Hamas do not reach a new ceasefire deal. The statement came amid reports Hamas was close to agreeing to a new truce proposal.