ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas suffered a significant setback , as Hamas announced it would suspend all negotiations until Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners, a commitment made as part of the ongoing truce agreement.
Hamas official Basem Naim made it clear that the group would not continue talks with mediators unless Israel fulfilled its part of the deal. “Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners,” Naim explained. The prisoners had been promised release in exchange for the return of Israeli captives and bodies, but Israel delayed the release, citing concerns over the “humiliating ceremonies” held in Gaza following past exchanges. No new timeline has been provided by the Israeli government.
In response, the United States expressed support for Israel’s decision, with White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes saying that the delay was an appropriate response to the treatment of Israeli captives by Hamas. President Donald Trump has affirmed his backing of Israel in whatever actions it chooses to take against Hamas.
Meanwhile, Hamas has called on mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to ensure that Israel follows through on the agreed terms. Senior Hamas officials emphasized that all negotiations would remain frozen until the prisoners are freed, putting the delicate ceasefire at risk.
This latest development raises the stakes for peace efforts and casts uncertainty over the future of the truce, which had already involved the exchange of captives between both sides. The situation remains highly volatile as both sides await the resolution of this latest dispute.
