Hamas ready to release all hostages

The radical Palestinian group Hamas has announced that it is ready to release all hostages held in the Gaza Strip within the framework of a comprehensive deal with Israel, which must include a complete ceasefire in the enclave.

"Hamas confirms that it is ready to implement a comprehensive deal which would include the release of all hostages in exchange to the agreed number of Palestinian prisoners. This agreement must also include the cessation of war in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops," the statement reads.

The movement also insists on opening all border checkpoints and beginning work on rebuilding the enclave.

According to the Israeli side, Hamas is still holding 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip, 20 of them alive.