In a recent statement, Hamas, the Palestinian political and militant organization, has declared that it will not engage in any further prisoner exchanges with Israel until a ceasefire is implemented in Gaza. The announcement was made by Deputy Hamas Chief, Saleh Al-Arouri, during an interview with pan-Arab Al Jazeera TV on Saturday.
Arouri emphasized that Hamas would not release any more prisoners, specifically Israeli soldiers and civilian men with past service in the Israeli army, until a ceasefire is established in the Gaza Strip. The move comes amidst renewed hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with battles resuming on December 2, 2023.
The hostages currently held by Hamas are reported to be Israeli soldiers and civilians with military backgrounds. Arouri clarified that their release is contingent on the implementation of a ceasefire, along with the release of all Palestinian detainees held in Israeli custody.
“This decision is final. We will not compromise on it,” stated Arouri, emphasizing the steadfastness of Hamas’s position. The Deputy Chief of Hamas indicated that they are adamant about allowing the conflict to run its course before considering any further negotiations or exchanges.
The backdrop of this announcement is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, marked by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip. A long exposure picture from southern Israel, near the Gaza border, captured explosions in the Palestinian territory as hostilities resumed.
The statement from Hamas adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the region. The demand for a ceasefire as a precondition for any prisoner exchange underscores the organization’s commitment to its stance, raising questions about the potential implications for diplomatic efforts and the broader dynamics between Israel and Hamas.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will likely be closely monitoring developments in the region, assessing the impact of Hamas’s conditions on the prospects for a ceasefire and potential future negotiations between the conflicting parties.
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Source: Hindustan Times
