GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The Hamas Movement said that the remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling the families of captives that a comprehensive deal is not possible, confirm his malicious and ill-intentioned efforts to obstruct any agreement that would lead to the release of prisoners and an end to the aggression against the Gaza Strip.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Hamas explained that it had previously proposed a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal that would see the release of all captives at once in exchange for an agreement to end the aggression, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the unrestricted flow of aid. Hamas stressed that Netanyahu rejected this proposal at the time and continues to maneuver and place further obstacles.
Hamas added that it continues to engage positively and responsibly in negotiations to reach an agreement that would result in ending the aggression, withdrawing Israeli forces, and ensuring the free flow of aid so that the Palestinian people can rebuild and live in dignity, in return for a mutual prisoner release.
The Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Netanyahu informed the families of the captives that negotiations to end the war would begin immediately after reaching a 60-day ceasefire agreement.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan also reported that “Netanyahu told the families of the captives that Hamas would decide which names would be released if an agreement is reached.”
