Hamas has offered to release all Israeli hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. This was stated by the spokesman of the Palestinian group, Hazem Qasem, informs The Times of Israel.
According to him, Hamas advocates a long-term cessation of hostilities and insists on the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza.
“We are ready for the second phase (ceasefire), during which the exchange of prisoners will be carried out in one go, according to the criterion of reaching an agreement that will lead to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza.”, the spokesman said.
He also emphasized that Hamas does not accept Israel’s demands for disarmament or withdrawal from the sector:
“The condition for the withdrawal of Hamas from Gaza is senseless psychological warfare, and the withdrawal or disarmament of the resistance is unacceptable.”
Hazem Kasem also announced the group’s intention to increase the number of Israeli hostages that will be released during the next exchange:
“The doubling of the number of prisoners to be released was done in response to the request of the mediators and to demonstrate our seriousness in fulfilling all the terms of the agreement.”
It will be recalled that on February 17, Hamas agreed to transfer control over the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority under pressure from Egypt. At the same time, among the conditions, the demand to preserve jobs for Gaza workers in the new administration or to provide them with pensions is mentioned.
The US position on this issue was confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 16 during his first Middle East tour. He emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas as a military or government entity, in line with President Donald Trump’s policy.
