Hamas demands permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal before prisoner exchange

In response to ceasefire proposals from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, Hamas has insisted on a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before considering any exchange of prisoners

Osama Hamdan, a senior leader of Hamas, emphasized these conditions during a news conference in Beirut on Tuesday, asserting that the security and safety of the Palestinian people are paramount. He stated that any potential prisoner exchange would only occur after these conditions are met.

Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza before Ramadan are underway, but uncertainties persist regarding meeting the deadline. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance against halting the military campaign until Hamas is dismantled further complicates the situation. Moreover, Hamas accuses Israel of stalling negotiations and warns that the talks cannot be indefinite while Israel continues its offensive in Gaza.

Reports suggest that Hamas is reviewing a draft proposal for an initial six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. This response from Hamas follows remarks by US President Joe Biden, who indicated that a potential ceasefire hinges on Hamas’s actions. Biden stressed the urgency of reaching a ceasefire before Ramadan, warning of heightened dangers if a resolution is not achieved by then.