HAMAS has stated that it is ready to continue releasing prisoners as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, provided Israel adheres to the terms of the deal.
Bernama cited that this announcement was made on Thursday after the group accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire terms, including hindering the return of displaced individuals and blocking humanitarian aid.
Abdul Latif al-Qanoua, a Hamas spokesperson, emphasised that if Israel does not honour the conditions of the ceasefire, the process of prisoner exchanges will not proceed.
"Israel has broken the agreement multiple times," he said, citing issues like restricting the return of displaced people and obstructing the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
Hamas confirmed it would release Israeli prisoners as initially planned under the ceasefire agreement, following discussions with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, who pledged to work towards eliminating obstacles and bridging any gaps in the process.
"We will continue to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement as per the signed terms, including the scheduled prisoner exchanges," Hamas said in a statement.
The group had previously announced that it would delay the release of the next batch of hostages in response to Israel’s violations of the ceasefire.
The Palestinian authorities have outlined several Israeli breaches of the ceasefire, including the shooting of civilians and blocking access to essential goods such as tents and caravans for those displaced in Gaza.
In response to these actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would terminate the ceasefire agreement if Hamas failed to release prisoners by midday Saturday.
Despite these tensions, Qanoua indicated that there were "positive signs" regarding Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement. "Hamas is committed to what has been agreed, but we will not accept any violations by Israel that could disrupt the prisoner exchange process," he stated.
Hamas also revealed that a delegation led by its Gaza leader, Khalil al-Hayya, had met with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire terms.
The discussions focused on the urgent need for Israel to comply with all conditions, particularly in providing housing for displaced Palestinians and ensuring the immediate delivery of essential supplies such as caravans, tents, medical equipment, fuel, and other humanitarian aid.
The talks are seen as a positive development, with the Egyptian and Qatari mediators emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to remove barriers and close the gaps in the implementation of the agreement. – February 14, 2025
