Hamas claims Israel’s efforts to prevent Palestinian prisoner release failed

Hamas has claimed that Israel's attempts to prevent the release of Palestinian prisoners under the terms of the prisoner exchange agreement have failed.

The organisation emphasised that the release of Palestinian detainees occurred simultaneously with the transfer of Israeli prisoners' bodies, Caliber.Az reports, per Turkish media.

"We have countered all unfounded arguments from the enemy, and now they have no choice but to begin the second stage of negotiations," the statement read.

It also confirmed that Hamas continues to fully adhere to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and is prepared to begin talks for the second phase.

The statement underscored that the only path to the release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza is adherence to the agreed-upon terms of negotiation. Hamas warned that any attempts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to backtrack on the agreement would lead to further suffering for the detainees and their families.

Furthermore, Hamas called on mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and the United States—to continue applying pressure on Israel to ensure the implementation of the agreement's terms.

To recap, negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began on February 27, with discussions taking place in Cairo, Egypt. The talks aim to extend the ceasefire agreement, which was set to expire on March 1 and address critical issues such as the return of hostages and the future of Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Israeli, Qatari and U.S. officials are engaging in intensive talks on how to bring the war to a close, while also discussing measures to facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. These discussions come amid a fragile truce, with the goal of securing the return of all remaining hostages—24 of whom are believed to still be alive—and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza.

However, the negotiations face significant obstacles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war objectives of dismantling Hamas’ military and governing structures conflict with the ceasefire terms, as Hamas has rejected any compromise on its weapons. The situation was further complicated when an Israeli official confirmed that Israel would not withdraw from a strategic corridor in Gaza, a key condition under the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, overnight, Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, completing the last planned swap of the ceasefire’s first phase.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in the region in the coming days to join the ongoing discussions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev