Hamas dedicated to maintain ceasefire; negotiations only option for the release of zionist captives
The Palestinian group Hamas has declared its "full commitment" to a ceasefire agreement, underscoring that dialogue is the sole method to ensure the liberation of the remaining Israeli hostages.
On Thursday, Hamas announced that Israel commenced the release of 642 Palestinian detainees following the return of the remains of four Israeli captives by the resistance group. This exchange marks the conclusion of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement aimed at mutual prisoner swaps.
Hamas has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the existing ceasefire agreement, including all stipulations and conditions outlined within it. Furthermore, the organization expressed its willingness to engage in discussions concerning the agreement’s second phase.
The statement emphasized that the release of Israeli captives remaining in Gaza can only be achieved through “negotiation and adherence” to the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli authorities’ unsuccessful attempts to prevent the prisoner exchange have reportedly left the government with “no option” but to engage in discussions for the second stage of the truce, according to statements.
The release of Palestinian detainees initially scheduled for Saturday, as part of an exchange agreement, involved their freedom in return for the liberation of six living hostages held by Hamas.
Israel postponed the proceedings, citing allegations of mistreatment of captives during the transfer process, sources indicate.
Hamas has alleged that Israel is undermining the Gaza ceasefire due to delays in its implementation.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office has announced that the seventh and eighth groups of detainee releases have been consolidated, resulting in a combined total of 642 individuals being freed.
In a statement on Thursday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described the release of the seventh and eighth groups of prisoners as a significant accomplishment for the Palestinian people, marking it as the largest release to date under the ceasefire agreement provisions.
On October 7, 2023, Israel commenced a significant military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a major operation by Hamas. This development came as a response to what Hamas described as escalated actions against the Palestinian population.
The Tel Aviv government did not accomplish its stated goals of liberating captives and neutralizing Hamas, despite resulting in the deaths of at least 48,348 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza.
Israel has agreed to Hamas’ previously established negotiation terms as part of the Gaza truce, which took effect on January 19.
The ceasefire agreement is structured into three phases, each with a duration of 42 days. During the initial phase, 33 Israeli captives, comprising eight remains, were freed in return for the release of approximately 1,900 Palestinians detained in the regime’s prisons.
