Iran Claims Hamas Willing to Release 199 Hostages in Exchange for Gaza Peace

Iran’s Foreign Ministry made a statement on Monday, October 16, asserting that the Hamas militant group is prepared to release its hostages, numbering at least 199, if Israel halts its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, conveyed this message during a news conference held in Tehran.

He mentioned that Hamas officials have expressed their readiness to take the necessary steps to release the citizens and civilians held by various resistance groups.

However, they emphasized that these measures would be impossible to undertake under the constant bombardment carried out by the Israelis in different parts of Gaza.

This announcement comes in the wake of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming on the same day that the number of hostages in Gaza exceeds previous estimates, now standing at 199. Rear Adm.

Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, stated that families of the captives have been informed, but details about the nationalities of the hostages and the groups holding them were not disclosed.

It is widely believed that most of the hostages are in the custody of Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip.

It is crucial to note that Iran has shown strong support for Hamas, and there have been reports suggesting that Iranian security officials might have played a role in planning the October 7 attack by the terror group on Israel.

As tensions escalate, Iran has also warned that it could become involved in the conflict if Israel proceeds with a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The ongoing hostilities have had severe consequences, with over 1,400 Israelis losing their lives, more than 3,500 sustaining injuries, and at least 100 being held hostage since the conflict commenced.

The death toll is expected to rise further, as Hamas has fired thousands of rockets and dispatched dozens of militants into Israeli towns.