Hamas says ready to comply with mediators' proposal regarding hostage release ceremonies - report

Hamas says that it will not continue talks unless another round of Palestinian prisoners is released.

Hamas terrorists stand guard in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025 (photo credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
Hamas terrorists stand guard in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025
(photo credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

Hamas is ready to comply with the mediators' proposal regarding the hostage release ceremonies to ensure that Palestinian prisoners are released, Hamas's spokesperson claimed, according to Israeli media on Monday. 

Later on Monday, a Hamas spokesperson said, according to N12, that it was illogical to continue to the next phase of the deal without the further release of the security prisoners. "Hamas is in continuous contact with mediators in Qatar and Egypt to inform them of every violation by Israel."

"Before we talk, the seventh batch of our prisoners must be released. It is not logical to extend the first stage of the deal or start negotiations on the second stage while matters remain stuck," he added.

On Saturday night, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Israel would postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners until more Israeli hostages are freed.

 Palestinian prisoners who were released in a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas arrive to the West Bank city of Ramallah, February 15, 2025. (credit: FLASH90)
Palestinian prisoners who were released in a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas arrive to the West Bank city of Ramallah, February 15, 2025. (credit: FLASH90)

Release violations

On Sunday, Hamas condemned Israel’s decision, saying its claim that the hostages’ handover ceremonies are “humiliating” was false and a pretext to evade Israel’s obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.