President Abbas calls on Hamas to release hostages

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the Islamist organization Hamas to release the hostages it is holding.

Speaking at a rally in Ramallah on Wednesday, Abbas said ending the war in Gaza was the top priority.

"Release those in custody and put an end to this situation," he demanded.

He further said that Israel should not be given any pretext to continue the war, adding that "hundreds of Palestinians are being killed every day in the Gaza war."

According to Israeli sources, 24 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, along with the bodies of 35 kidnapped people.

Israel aims to increase pressure on Hamas with new attacks on the coastal strip to secure the release of more hostages.

Abbas also called on Hamas to hand over control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority.

However, Hamas and other extremist groups have so far refused to hand over their weapons. Israel opposes any involvement of Hamas in a future government in Gaza.

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