Hamas Rejects New Negotiations Until Israel Fulfills Gaza Agreement Obligations

Report by Ishrat Yasmeen

Hamas has announced that it will not engage in any further negotiations unless Israel fully complies with the obligations outlined in the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. The Palestinian group accused Israel of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners, violating the terms of the deal.

Hamas Accuses Israel of Breaching Agreement

In a statement released on Monday, Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanou emphasized that the group will not participate in any new discussions until Israel adheres to the first-phase commitments of the agreement.

He further accused Israel of deliberately obstructing the agreement by failing to release Palestinian detainees and neglecting the humanitarian protocol.

Israel Delays Prisoner Release

On Saturday, Israel postponed the scheduled release of 620 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for six Israeli captives and the bodies of four others returned by Hamas. Israeli authorities cited concerns over what they termed “degrading handover ceremonies” as the reason for the delay.

Hamas has warned that Israel’s reluctance to comply with the agreement jeopardizes further negotiations and the potential release of other Israeli captives.

Mediators Involved Amid Rising Tensions

Hamas confirmed ongoing communication with international mediators regarding Israel’s alleged violations of the agreement.