Hamas denies Israeli claims of obstruction in captive release deal

The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has refuted allegations by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that it violated key terms of the ceasefire agreement and is obstructing the finalization of a captive release deal.
A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, reiterated the group’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by international mediators and announced on Wednesday. "The group is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by mediators," al-Risheq emphasized, dismissing claims of reneging on the deal.
The Israeli PMO issued a statement, accusing Hamas of "creating a last-minute crisis" to prevent the finalization of the agreement. The statement, released in both English and Hebrew, claimed that Hamas was allegedly reneging on its commitments, delaying progress on the captive release deal.
The statement also noted that the Israeli cabinet would not convene until mediators confirmed that Hamas had agreed to all aspects of the proposed deal.
Hamas announced the ceasefire agreement earlier this week, marking the end of over 15 months of relentless Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. The movement described the agreement as a significant achievement, highlighting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of continuous challenges.
The ceasefire has been celebrated as a triumph of Palestinian resilience and a step forward in their ongoing struggle for liberation. While negotiations continue under the oversight of mediators, the Palestinian resistance remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and dignity for its people.
Observers note that the accusations from the Israeli side may reflect internal tensions and a reluctance to fully honor the terms of the agreement, which Hamas has described as a step toward justice for the Palestinian cause. (ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Despite the declaration of a ceasefire on October 11, the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip continues to deepen, with the Palestinian death toll rising to at least 68,159 martyrs, the vast majority of them women and children, since the beginning of Israel’s aggression in October 2023.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reaffirmed their full commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement on Sunday, stressing that the group has had no role or presence in recent incidents reported in Rafah.
The world-renowned Louvre Museum was temporarily closed on Sunday morning following a dramatic jewel heist that authorities described as one of the most audacious thefts in recent French history.
The head of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Gaza, Amjad Al-Shawwa, issued a stark warning today about the escalating risk of famine in the Gaza Strip, as the Israeli authorities continue to keep the Rafah crossing closed.