Hamas’s condition for hostage release

Last Updated on November 23, 2024 6:15 am

Hamas acting chief Khalil al-Hayya has made it clear that no hostages will be released unless Israel stops its attacks on Gaza.

He made the remarks in a television interview on Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV channel on Wednesday (November 20). Al Arabiya reported.

Reiterating his position on ending the war, the acting chief of Hamas said that no prisoner exchange is possible unless the war ends.

He said why would Hamas return the prisoners if the aggression does not stop. Would any healthy or sick person want to lose his trump card during a war?

Hayya was the head of Hamas’s negotiations with Qatar and Egyptian mediators. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of genocide in Gaza and blamed him for the failure of the deal.

He also said that contacts are ongoing with some countries and mediators to revive the deal. We are ready to continue that effort, but the most important thing is that there must be a real will on the part of the occupying power to stop the aggression.

The Hamas leader said that reality proves that Netanyahu is obstructing the agreement.

During a visit to Gaza on Tuesday, Netanyahu said that Hamas will not be able to rule Gaza after the war. Israel has destroyed Hamas’ military capabilities.

Netanyahu also said that Israel is still trying to find the 101 prisoners held in Gaza and has announced a reward of 500,000 dollars for the return of each prisoner.