(CLO) Hamas announced its readiness to release all remaining prisoners held in the Gaza Strip "immediately" if Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and withdraws all troops from the area.
Speaking on Wednesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem outlined the group’s proposal for the second phase of the ceasefire. He said all prisoners would be released at once, provided a deal leads to lasting peace is reached.
Hamas has also rejected Israel's demands to disarm and leave the Gaza Strip. Qassem has called the removal of Hamas from Gaza a "ridiculous psychological war" and said the group will not accept disarmament or withdrawal.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem. Photo: X
In a goodwill move, Hamas increased the number of prisoners to be released in the next exchange on Saturday from three to six. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya announced the decision a day earlier to speed up the implementation of the second phase of the deal.
According to Qassem, the doubling of the number of released prisoners is a response to the mediators' demands and demonstrates Hamas' commitment to the deal.
Hamas' proposal comes after US President Donald Trump rejected a plan to release prisoners in weekly stages, while families of the detained Israelis also called on Hamas to release them all immediately.
The move could also be in exchange for Israel allowing mobile homes and construction equipment into devastated Gaza. However, Israeli forces have blocked key border crossings, preventing the transport of essential goods and reconstruction materials.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on January 19, after more than 460 days of conflict. However, Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement and its leaders are considering resuming military operations. Some far-right ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have even pushed for a military occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Since the deal was signed, Israel has released 1,135 Palestinians and is expected to release 502 more this week.
Ngoc Anh (according to AJ, AFP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hamas-de-xuat-trao-tra-toan-bo-tu-nhan-de-doi-lay-lenh-ngung-ban-vinh-vien-post335203.html
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