ALBAWABA - In a recent statement published on Telegram, Hamas declared their refusal to release more Israeli hostages until Palestinian organizations agree to end the Gaza conflict comprehensively. The written statement emphasized that if the attacks do not cease entirely, there will be no discussions on prisoners or any exchange agreements, asserting it as a national decision among Palestinians.
The announcement did not specify which Palestinian organizations were being referred to, leaving room for interpretation. It's worth noting that the Islamic Jihad organization also holds Israeli hostages.
Ongoing negotiations for a new ceasefire agreement are currently underway in Cairo. Egypt, after initial talks, indicated that no conclusive results were achieved, and Hamas has not endorsed a new temporary ceasefire.
During the six-day ceasefire in late November, 105 Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. However, around 120 Israelis are believed to still be held in Gaza.
As discussions for a new temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages continue, Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, traveled to Cairo to engage in talks. However, as of now, no concrete outcomes have emerged from the negotiations.
Reportedly, Haniyeh conveyed to Egyptian mediators that Hamas would not release additional Israeli hostages until a permanent ceasefire is established. On the other hand, Israel insists that the conflict will not conclude until Hamas is completely dismantled.
The United States has described the ongoing negotiations as "serious," with talks set to resume today. Meanwhile, an anticipated ceasefire vote in the United Nations Security Council, originally scheduled for yesterday, is now expected to take place later today.
