Hamas announces release of foreign hostages in coming days

Gaza City: The armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, known as the Qassam Brigades, has announced its decision to release some foreign hostages from Gaza in the coming days. The spokesperson, Abu Obeida, made the announcement in a video address on Tuesday, without providing specific details on the number or identities of the hostages.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Obeida also vowing to turn Gaza into a "graveyard" and a "quagmire" for Israeli forces, particularly in response to increased ground operations.

The hostage situation arose from a deadly assault on Israel on October 7, during which more than 230 people, including Israeli soldiers, civilians, and foreigners from various countries, were reportedly taken captive by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Israeli authorities claim that the assault resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, predominantly civilians.

International calls for the immediate release of the hostages have been issued by Israel, human rights groups, and the United Nations. Some hostages have already been released through diplomatic negotiations, with assistance from countries like Qatar and Egypt, as well as through a ground raid by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Israeli families of those killed on October 7 are now urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the killings and abductions. However, it is noteworthy that Israel does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC.

The ICC prosecutor's office has received a filing from Tel Aviv-based international lawyer Yael Vias Gvirsman and is assessing the request.

The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has expressed that impeding aid access to Gaza could constitute a crime under ICC jurisdiction and highlighted challenges in meeting with families of victims in both Gaza and Israel during a recent visit to the region.