Hamas Rejects Prisoner Swap with Israel Until War Ends

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Khalil al-Hayya, a senior member of Hamas' political bureau, has stated that the movement will not agree to a prisoner swap with Israel until the war in Gaza ends. In a recent television interview, al-Hayya emphasized that the exchange of prisoners is intertwined with halting the ongoing aggression. "We want the aggression to stop, and any prisoner exchange should come after the cessation of hostilities," he said.

Al-Hayya, who led Hamas' negotiation team in talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for the lack of progress in ceasefire talks. He confirmed that efforts to advance the issue are ongoing with various countries and intermediaries, and Hamas is committed to continuing these diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu, during his visit to Gaza on Tuesday, reiterated that Hamas would not govern the Gaza Strip after the war ends. He also mentioned that Israel has not abandoned its search for the remaining 101 prisoners believed to be held in Gaza, offering a $5 million reward for each individual's return.

Hamas is seeking an agreement that would not only end the war but also include the release of Palestinian prisoners alongside Israeli and foreign detainees held in Gaza.

Additionally, al-Hayya criticized Israeli efforts to restrict the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating that Israel is deliberately hindering the process. According to Hamas, Israel only allows 100 trucks of aid to enter Gaza per day, creating severe shortages of essential supplies.

In another development, Hamas has labeled the United States as a "direct partner" in the war in Gaza, accusing the country of supporting Israeli actions in the region.

On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes on southern Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians, bringing the total number of Palestinian martyrs in Gaza since October 7, 2023, to over 40,000, with more than 100,000 injured.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing military operations and limited humanitarian access, leading to an escalating humanitarian crisis.