Hamas calls for the release of captives in exchange for an end to the war
In a statement, the group said, “The escalating calls within the occupying entity to stop the war and free the prisoners confirm [Israeli PM Benjamin] Netanyahu’s responsibility for prolonging the war and for the suffering of his prisoners and our people.”
This appears to be a reference to the more than a thousand Israeli special forces reservists who signalled their support of air force reservists set to be dismissed from active duty after calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza.
The statement continued, “the blood of Gaza’s children and the occupation’s prisoners are victims of Netanyahu’s ambitions to remain in power and to escape prosecution”.
“The equation is clear: the release of captives in exchange for a cessation of the war. The world accepts it, but Netanyahu rejects it. Every day of delay means more killing of defenseless civilians among our people and an unknown fate for the occupation’s prisoners,” it concluded.
EU demands Israel lift devastating aid blockade on Gaza
The European Union has has decried the dire situation in Gaza and called for accountability after Israeli troops shot dead 15 emergency workers on a rescue mission.
“The European Union deplores the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza. The EU’s priorities remain the resumption of the ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the restoration of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza,” a statement said.
“The EU firmly condemns the killing of 15 humanitarian aid workers in Gaza on March 23 and calls for accountability. Too many Israelis and Palestinians have suffered and the death toll of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable.
“The EU is extremely concerned by reports of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which suggest that food supplies brought in during the ceasefire are running out. Under International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian aid must reach civilians in need.”
#Gaza: Joint statement by High Representative @kajakallas and Commissioners Lahbib and Suica on the humanitarian situation https://t.co/dXyPafCdgO
— Anouar El Anouni 🇪🇺 (@AnouarEUspox) April 12, 2025
