ISLAMABAD: The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas encountered a significant setback on Sunday when Hamas announced it would suspend all further negotiations until Israel fulfills its commitment to release 620 Palestinian prisoners. This decision was made after Israel delayed the planned release, citing concerns over “humiliating ceremonies” in Gaza following previous prisoner exchanges.
Hamas official Basem Naim stated to Reuters that the group would not continue discussions through mediators unless Israel honored its agreement. “Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and six Israeli captives freed on Saturday,” Naim said.
The impasse comes after Israel postponed the release of Palestinian detainees, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justifying the delay by referring to the problematic nature of the ceremonies that took place in Gaza after past exchanges. The Israeli government has not provided a new timeline for the release.
White House Backs Israel’s Decision
The United States has expressed support for Israel’s decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes released a statement affirming that the delay was an “appropriate response” given the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives by Hamas.
Hughes also added that President Donald Trump is prepared to back Israel in “whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”
Mediators Urged to Ensure Compliance
In light of the suspension of negotiations, Hamas has called on mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to ensure that Israel adheres to the terms of the truce agreement. “The mediators must ensure the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text,” Naim said.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi echoed Naim’s sentiments, confirming that all negotiations are now frozen until Israel releases the Palestinian detainees as agreed.
The breakdown in talks poses a threat to the ceasefire, which has so far allowed for exchanges of captives on both sides, but remains highly fragile and volatile.
