Hamas rejects hostage deal without end to war
People gather around a released hostage after the military said that Israeli forces have rescued four hostages alive from the central Gaza Strip on Saturday, in Ramat Gan, Israel June 8, 2024. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
In a televised interview with Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV on Wednesday, Khalil al-Hayya, the acting chief of Hamas in Gaza, reaffirmed the group’s stance that a hostages-for-prisoners swap with Israel would only be possible if the ongoing war in Gaza concludes.
Al-Hayya, who has been involved in talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing negotiations.
He added that Hamas is willing to continue discussions but stressed the need for Israel to demonstrate a genuine commitment to halting its military actions.
“Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap,” al-Hayya stated, stressing that Hamas considers its hostages a key bargaining tool. “Why would the resistance, and in particular Hamas, return the prisoners while the war is continuing?”
Netanyahu, during his visit to Gaza, reiterated that Israel would not stop its operations until Hamas is dismantled and no longer governs Gaza.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to locate the remaining 101 hostages in the enclave and announced a $5 million reward for each hostage’s safe return.
Hamas insists on a comprehensive deal that ends hostilities and includes the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Meanwhile, Netanyahu maintains that any resolution hinges on the complete eradication of Hamas’s military capabilities.
Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 43,985 Palestinians and wounded 104,092 since October 7, 2023. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day, and more than 200 were taken captive.
