"Hamas Suspends Hostage Negotiations Over Al-Shifa Hospital Issue"

Palestinian armed group Hamas abruptly halted hostage release negotiations, major foreign media reported on the 12th (local time).

According to reports, a Palestinian official stated that Hamas suspended negotiations due to the Israeli military's response to Al-Shifa Hospital. Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip, houses thousands of medical staff, patients, and displaced civilians. The Israeli military, which advanced near the hospital, believes Hamas has its headquarters in the hospital's basement, while Hamas has completely denied these claims.

Earlier, the Gaza Strip Ministry of Health, governed by Hamas, claimed that the Israeli military airstrikes on the hospital caused numerous casualties. As criticism over attacks on the hospital intensified, the Israeli military denied the attacks and announced that from that day, they would assist in evacuating hospital staff, patients, and other civilians.

Meanwhile, Hamas and Israel have been negotiating the release of 239 hostages captured by Hamas militants since the 7th of last month, mediated by Qatar.