Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem outlined the group\u2019s vision for the second phase of a ceasefire deal,
\n Gaza
\nHamas has proposed the full release of all captives held in Gaza in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
\nIn a statement issued on Wednesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem outlined the group\u2019s vision for the second phase of a ceasefire deal, which includes the proposed exchange of prisoners.
\n\u201cWe are ready for a second phase in which the prisoners will be exchanged in one go, within the criterion of reaching an agreement that leads to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from the Strip,\u201d Qassem said. Hamas also rejected Israel\u2019s demand for its disarmament and removal from Gaza, calling it \u201ca ridiculous psychological war.\u201d Qassem stressed that the withdrawal or disarmament of Hamas was unacceptable.
\nThe group has also increased the number of captives to be released in the upcoming swap, from three to six, in an effort to accelerate the implementation of phase two of the ceasefire deal. This decision follows a request from mediators and aims to demonstrate Hamas\u2019 commitment to fulfilling the terms of the agreement.
\nThe proposal comes after US President Donald Trump criticised the phased weekly release of captives taken from Israel, and amid calls from families of those held in Gaza for the immediate release of all prisoners.
\nDespite the continued blockade, which has prevented the entry of essential supplies, including mobile homes and construction equipment, Hamas has insisted on the implementation of agreed terms, including the entry of aid.
\nLast week, Hamas threatened to delay the release of prisoners due to Israel\u2019s failure to honour certain aspects of the agreement, such as the delivery of reconstruction materials.
\nThe ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19 after over 460 days of conflict, remains fragile. Israel has violated the ceasefire multiple times, and discussions within Israel\u2019s government about a possible return to all-out fighting continue.
\nAs of the most recent updates, over 1,100 Palestinians have been freed from Israeli prisons since the ceasefire began, with an additional 502 set to be released this week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem outlined the group\u2019s vision for the second phase of a ceasefire deal, Gaza Hamas has proposed the full release of all captives held in Gaza in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":462572,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-462545","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n