Hamas ties ceasefire talks to prisoner release as Israel delays swap

Hamas has declared that any further ceasefire negotiations with Israel must be contingent on the release of Palestinian prisoners as previously agreed, a senior official from the group said on Sunday. The statement follows Israel’s decision to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas’s failure to meet conditions for the latest hostage exchange.

“Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and the six Israeli captives who were freed on Saturday,” said Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau. “The mediators must ensure that the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office defended Israel’s decision, stating that the release of prisoners would not proceed “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.” Israeli officials referenced past instances in which Hamas made hostages appear on stage in front of crowds and speak before their release, while some remains were carried through public processions in coffins, practices that UN officials have said violated international law.

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, a local advocacy group, condemned Israel’s move, calling it “state terrorism against the prisoners and their families.” Ghasan Washahi, whose brother was set to be released, described his family’s growing frustration. “Every time there was a list of prisoners set to be released, we would wait, hoping Islam’s name would be among them, but it was never there,” he said. “My mother even started losing hope that he would be freed in the deal. And when his name finally appeared, Israel halted the deal.”

Despite repeated accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides, the fragile truce that began on January 19 has held. However, the prospects of a lasting peace remain uncertain. Israel and Hamas are expected to enter discussions on a second phase of negotiations, which mediators say will focus on securing the return of all remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant continue to face accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The Government Media Office has updated its death toll, reporting at least 61,709 Palestinian fatalities, with thousands more missing and presumed dead under the rubble.