Israelis are violating ceasefire over prisoner swap delay: Hamas
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The delay in releasing the latest group has increased tensions and raised questions about the future of the ceasefire.
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Hamas fighters take position ahead of the planned release of Israeli captives set to be handed over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Hamas has accused "Israel" of violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement by delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, which were due to be freed on Saturday in exchange for six Israeli hostages.
In a statement, Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif Al-Qanou stated, "The (Israeli) occupation's failure to comply with the release of the seventh batch of prisoners in the exchange deal at the agreed-upon time constitutes a blatant violation of the agreement." He further accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "procrastination and stalling tactics".
The prisoner exchange is part of a ceasefire agreement intended to secure the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the delay in releasing the latest batch has increased tensions and raised questions about the future of the ceasefire.
This accusation follows previous statements by Hamas that Netanyahu was delaying negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which began after the exchange of four deceased Israeli captives last Thursday that were killed by IOF bombings. According to Hamas, the second phase of the agreement has "not practically begun", despite their readiness to participate. Al-Qanou previously accused Netanyahu of "procrastination" and deliberately delaying progress.
'Israel's' Conditions, Political Divisions
These statements come just days after "Israel" reportedly set strict conditions for the second phase of the ceasefire, including:
- Complete disarmament of Gaza, including the removal of all weaponry.
- Exclusion of Hamas from governance, aiming to neutralize Palestinian Resistance.
- Release of all Israeli captives in one exchange, without guarantees for Palestinian prisoners' rights.
These demands were reported by Israel's Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), sparking criticism from Hamas and contributing to the political divisions within the Israeli leadership. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that talks would begin this week, but conflicting reports later emerged on the matter.
Read more: Israeli captive kisses head of Hamas fighter during prisoner swap
Ongoing Ceasefire Violations
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high as "Israel" continues airstrikes and military aggression in Gaza. Earlier this week, an Israeli drone strike targeted Palestinians in Rafah, killing at least one person and injuring several others.
Hamas remains firm in its stance, with senior official Taher al-Nunu stating that they are willing to release all remaining captives in a single exchange but warned against Israeli political games aimed at weakening Palestinian unity.
