Hamas Refuses Talks with Israel Until Palestinian Prisoners Are Freed

SEAToday.com, Gaza City - Hamas has declared that it will not engage in negotiations with Israel until all Palestinian prisoners promised in the previous agreement are released by Tel Aviv.

The Israeli government was initially scheduled to release 620 Palestinian detainees on Saturday (Feb 22) as part of the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. However, Israel delayed the release, citing what it called a "humiliating hostage handover."

"There will be no talks with the enemy (Israel) through mediators before the release of the prisoners agreed upon in exchange for six Israeli captives," said Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi in a statement. He also stressed that mediators must ensure Israel honors the agreement.

Early Sunday morning, Hamas condemned Israel's decision to delay the Palestinian prisoner release, calling it a "violation" of the Gaza ceasefire deal and the prisoner exchange agreement.

The ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between the two sides came into effect last month.

Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its military actions in the Palestinian territory.