ALWAGHT- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has stated that any further exchanges of captives or abductees with Israel can only occur after both sides enter the second phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas has criticized Israel’s attempt to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, accusing the Israeli government of trying to avoid the second phase of negotiations. They rejected Israel’s proposal, which was endorsed by US President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, to extend the first phase through the Ramadan and Passover periods. Hamas emphasized that any further exchanges of captives or abductees would only happen after the second phase of negotiations, in line with the original agreement.
As part of the initial ceasefire phase, over 2,000 Palestinian detainees were exchanged for 25 Israeli captives and the remains of eight others. Israel claims that 27 captives remain in Gaza, with 32 bodies yet to be recovered. Hamas has called on the US to end its alignment with Israel, accusing the administration of supporting Netanyahu's "fascist plans."
Hamas also condemned Israel’s ongoing violations of the ceasefire, which they say have led to the deaths of over 100 Palestinians, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and worsening conditions in Gaza. The group has called on mediators to pressure Israel to fulfill its commitments and move forward with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
