Hamas says no prisoner swap deal before aggression ends
3 Min Read
The Palestinian Resistance underlines that it would not reach any agreement with the Israeli occupation forces unless its aggression on Gaza and killing of civilians stops.
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Families of Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza attend a rally calling for their release, in 'Tel Aviv', occupied Palestine, December 16, 2023 (AP)
The Palestinian Hamas Resistance movement underlines that it would not agree to another deal with the Israeli occupation to release any Israeli captives before a complete cessation of hostilities from the Israeli side.
Hamas stressed that "unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all" there would be no prisoner exchange deal with the Israeli occupation nor will any of its captives be released.
The Resistance movement issued its statement in light of a cabinet meeting that discussed the possibility of working on a new prisoner exchange deal.
Moreover, it also comes against the backdrop of Mossad chief David Barnea coming back from Oslo, Norway, after meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, underlined that there were ongoing talks with Egypt and Qatar regarding the release of captives.
"The pressure exerted by the families of the hostages was highly influential to get the wheels turning on a new prisoner exchange deal," Israeli media says as the families of those captured by the Palestinian Resistance demanded a ceasefire and talks to get their family members released.
In a poignant statement, the families highlighted the critical nature of every passing moment, expressing their deep concern for the lives of captives.
Having witnessed the arrival of three captives in coffins earlier in the day, they underscored that the authorities show no concern for the secure release of captives, potentially leading to additional casualties.
They called on the regime to promptly draft a deal and initiate negotiations rather than wait for action on the part of the Palestinian resistance.
They also expressed anguish over the emotional unpreparedness of receiving further captives in coffins.
Read more: Amid surging 'friendly fire' reports, IOF 'mistakenly' kill 3 captives
Thousands of Israeli captives' families protested on Friday in "Kaplan" Street, now known as the "Hostages Square" in "Tel Aviv", demanding that their government renew negotiations for a new prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance, according to Israeli media.
The demonstrators started their protest at the entrance to the Ministry of Security and the General Staff Headquarters in "Tel Aviv," blocking roads following the announcement.
The protest was sparked by news of the killing of three Israeli captives by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF).
A spokesman for the IOF said that they were killed "mistakenly," noting that "they're all without shirts and they have a stick with a white cloth on it. The soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares that they're terrorists, they (forces) open fire, two are killed immediately."
He added that the third captive was wounded and went back into a nearby building to call for help in Hebrew.
