Gaza: The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has made it clear that any future prisoner exchanges with Israel will only take place under a ceasefire agreement, contingent on Israel's compliance with the terms established in Gaza. Abdul Latif al-Qanou, a spokesperson for Hamas, emphasized on Saturday that over a month has passed since the initial phase began without Israel fully implementing the agreement's terms.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, al-Qanou reiterated Hamas's readiness to release all Israeli prisoners in a single exchange, on the condition that hostilities are completely halted, reconstruction efforts in Gaza are initiated, and Israeli forces withdraw from the region. He highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, urging mediators to exert pressure on Israel to fulfill the humanitarian protocol and ensure the provision of shelter and relief supplies to the Palestinian people.

Al-Qanou pointed to the release of six Israeli prisoners on Saturday as evidence of Hamas's commitment to the agreement, contrasting it with Israel's hesitance to uphold its end of the deal. He cautioned the Israeli government to adopt a rational stance on the prisoner swap issue to safeguard the lives of its captives. Al-Qanou stated that Israel faces a choice between receiving its prisoners alive or in coffins, referencing the return of four bodies last week.

Despite the tensions, al-Qanou underscored that Hamas treats Israeli prisoners according to religious and human values, while raising concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The bodies of the four Israeli prisoners were handed over by Hamas last Thursday, with claims that they were victims of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza in November 2023.