The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faced a major setback on Sunday after the Palestinian group announced it would suspend all further negotiations until Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners as previously agreed.
Hamas official Basem Naim told Reuters that the group would not engage in discussions through mediators unless Israel fulfilled its commitment.
"Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and the six Israeli captives who were freed on Saturday," Naim said.
The decision comes after Israel delayed the planned release of Palestinian detainees, citing what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as “humiliating ceremonies” in Gaza following previous prisoner exchanges. The Israeli government did not provide a new timeline for the release.
White House backs Israel’s move
The United States has thrown its support behind Israel’s decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said in a statement that delaying the release was an “appropriate response” given the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives by Hamas.
President Donald Trump is prepared to back Israel in “whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas,” Hughes added.
Mediators urged to ensure Israel complies
Hamas has called on mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to ensure that Israel adheres to the terms of the truce agreement. "The mediators must ensure the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text," Naim said.
His remarks echoed those of senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi, who confirmed that all negotiations were now frozen until the Palestinian detainees were freed.
The latest standoff threatens to derail the carefully brokered ceasefire, which has so far led to the exchange of captives on both sides but remains highly volatile.
