Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya has announced that all remaining Palestinian captives will be released from Gaza if Israel agrees to end its war on the enclave. The proposal includes a comprehensive package, including talks towards a full accounting by Israel of all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the list of Israeli captives.
In a statement, Hayya said Hamas is ready to negotiate a “package deal” that would include the release of all captives, reconstruction of Gaza, and lifting of the siege. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reneging on a ceasefire agreement and reimposing a total siege on goods, food, and aid entering the strip.
Hayya also expressed frustration with the US, saying Hamas will not be part of “partial agreements” but rather seek a permanent end to the war. The proposal comes as over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since January last year.
Hamas had previously engaged in secret talks with the US over captive exchanges, but the deal fell apart after Israel leaked the meetings to the media. Hayya commended the US hostage envoy Adam Boehler’s comments, saying he pledged that Israel’s war on Gaza would end “immediately” if all captives were released.
The proposal has been met with skepticism by some, but it represents a significant step towards a potential ceasefire. With tensions remaining high, the fate of Hamas’s offer remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/all-captives-will-be-released-gaza-if-israel-agrees-end-war-hamas-says