Hamas Announces Commitment to Ceasefire Agreement and Release of Captives

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Hamas said Thursday it is committed to the release of Israeli captives and uphold the ceasefire agreement, just days after the Palestinian resistance group announced it would delay the release of three captives scheduled for Saturday due to Israeli ceasefire violations.

In a statement, Hamas said it would continue implementing the ceasefire agreement, including the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian detainees, “according to the specified timetable.”

The group added that a Hamas delegation, headed by Dr. Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas in Gaza and chief negotiator, held talks with the mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, particularly following the repeated Israeli violations.

The delegation held a meeting in Cairo with the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence, Major General Hassan Rashad, and also conducted phone discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation also held meetings and communications with officials handling the negotiation file in Egypt and Qatar, as well as with the technical teams of the mediators who are monitoring the full implementation of the agreement.

The group highlighted that discussions centered on the urgent need to implement all provisions of the agreement, “particularly those related to sheltering our people, the immediate entry of caravans, tents, heavy equipment, medical supplies, fuel, and the continued flow of aid, as outlined in the agreement.”

The group stated that the talks were held in a “positive spirit,” with mediators from Egypt and Qatar reaffirming their commitment to resolving obstacles and closing any gaps. As a result, Hamas reiterated its stance on implementing the agreement as signed, including the prisoner exchange according to the agreed-upon timetable.

Hamas Spokesperson Hazem Qasim also stated that the movement is committed to meeting its obligations on time, “and the occupation must uphold its commitments according to the agreement and humanitarian protocol.”

A Palestinian source quoted by AFP news agency said on Thursday that mediators had obtained from Israel a “promise … to put in place a humanitarian protocol starting from this morning” that would allow construction equipment and temporary housing into the devastated territory.

This week, Hamas warned it would delay the next release of captives scheduled for Saturday due to Israel violating the truce by shooting Palestinians in Gaza and not allowing the agreed-upon number of tents, shelters and other vital aid to enter the besieged enclave. Israel responded by saying that if Hamas failed to free captives according to the schedule, it would resume its war.

Since the ceasefire went into effect on January 19, Israeli forces have killed at least 92 Palestinians and wounded more than 800, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.