Ukraine urges Hamas to disarm and release Israeli hostages

"Hamas' inhuman treatment of the Israeli hostages deserves a very strong condemnation. People in Gaza should not remain suffering because of Hamas's heinous crimes. It must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately," Sybiha wrote.

He added that international humanitarian aid must be delivered to Gaza's population as quickly and fully as possible.

Sybiha also stressed that achieving a full ceasefire "must remain a top priority."

Background

In recent days, Hamas released propaganda videos showing Israeli hostages. The captives appeared visibly emaciated.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted to this in an interview with Bild. He said the footage proves that Hamas must no longer play any role in Gaza's future.

At the same time, Merz urged Israel not to respond to "Hamas' cynicism" by cutting off humanitarian aid to Gaza. UN experts warn that famine could soon begin in the territory.

Hamas signals readiness to disarm, ceasefire plan discussed

Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with families of Israeli hostages and said, "Hamas is ready to disarm."

However, he noted there has been no progress in negotiations for the hostages' release.

Witkoff also said he is working with Israel on a plan to end the war in Gaza and rebuild the enclave.