The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas suffered a major setback on Sunday after Hamas announced it would suspend negotiations until Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners, as previously agreed.
Hamas official Basem Naim told Reuters that the group would not engage in mediated discussions unless Israel honored its commitment.
“Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding future steps depend on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and six Israeli captives freed on Saturday,” Naim stated.
The decision follows Israel’s delay in releasing Palestinian detainees, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu citing “humiliating ceremonies” in Gaza during previous prisoner exchanges as a reason for the postponement. The Israeli government has not provided a new timeline for the release.
Read more: Israel’s New Demands Complicate Gaza Truce Agreement
U.S. Supports Israel’s Move
The White House has backed Israel’s decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that the delay was an “appropriate response” to what he described as the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives by Hamas.
President Donald Trump has also expressed support for Israel, affirming that the U.S. would back its actions concerning Hamas.
Hamas Calls on Mediators
Hamas has urged mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to ensure Israel abides by the truce terms. “The mediators must ensure the enemy adheres to the agreement as outlined in the agreed-upon text,” Naim emphasized.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi also confirmed that all negotiations are suspended until the Palestinian detainees are released.
The latest standoff threatens to destabilize the fragile ceasefire, which has facilitated captives’ exchange but remains highly volatile.
