Hamas Halts Gaza Ceasefire Talks Until Israel Releases 620 Prisoners
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Hamas has suspended ceasefire negotiations with Israel through mediators, insisting that further discussions are contingent on Israel’s release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, a condition previously agreed upon, a senior Hamas official said on Sunday.
Israel announced a delay in the planned release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, which was expected to take place on Saturday, claiming that Hamas had not yet met its conditions.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees would not be released “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.”
“Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and the six Israeli captives who were freed on Saturday,” Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim told Reuters.
“The mediators must ensure that the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text,” he added.
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, a local advocacy group, accused Israel of practicing “state-terrorism against the prisoners and their families.”
While the ceasefire has paused hostilities, a long-term resolution to the conflict remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant continue to face allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Government Media Office updated the Palestinian death toll to at least 61,709, stating that thousands remain missing under the rubble and are presumed dead.
