Media: Hamas slams Israel for failing to free 600 Palestinian prisoners as agreed

The Hamas movement has strongly criticised Israel for failing to release approximately 600 Palestinian prisoners, as agreed upon in the first phase of the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip.

Member of Hamas' political bureau Basem Naim stated that Hamas has fully adhered to all provisions of the agreement, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

However, he emphasised that Israel's delay in fulfilling its part of the deal poses a risk to the collapse of the agreement and potentially the resumption of war.

Naim added that negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire cannot proceed until Israel releases 600 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement, which was meant to see the release of these prisoners in exchange for Hamas hostages, had stipulated that Israel would free 600 prisoners by the past weekend. As the first phase of the deal expires soon, talks for the second phase, which were expected to begin two weeks ago, have yet to commence. 

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19. Hamas and Israel have engaged in multiple exchanges involving hostages as part of ceasefire agreements or temporary truces during their ongoing conflict. In these deals, Hamas has released Israeli hostages, including soldiers and civilians, in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. These exchanges typically occur under the mediation of international organizations or third parties.

By Naila Huseynova