New Delhi, April 24 -- As Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas urged Hamas to release all Gaza hostages, stating that their continued captivity gives Israel "excuses" to prolong its attacks on the territory, remarks that the militant organisation has condemned as "insulting". The request to Hamas comes as dozens were killed following an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter on Wednesday.

Mahmud Abbas said, "Hamas has given the criminal occupation excuses to commit its crimes in the Gaza Strip, the most prominent being the holding of hostages."

"I'm the one paying the price, our people are paying the price, not Israel. My brother, just hand them over."

Speaking of the American hostage, Edan Alexande...