Hamas has issued a strong statement asserting that Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has "no choice" but to proceed with the second phase of ceasefire negotiations, accusing them of attempting to sabotage the agreement.

"The road in front of the enemy's false excuses has been blocked, and it now has no choice but to commence the second phase negotiations," Hamas declared on Thursday.

Hamas contends that Israel's attempts to backtrack on the deal are exacerbating the suffering of Israeli captives and their families. They insist that the only path to the release of the remaining captives is through genuine negotiation and adherence to the agreed terms.

"Netanyahu is not only tampering with the agreement but also with the fate of Israeli prisoners," Hamas stated, reiterating their full commitment to the ceasefire provisions and their readiness to begin the second phase of negotiations.

This statement follows the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails as part of the seventh exchange, with 620 liberated prisoners arriving in Ramallah, West Bank. In return, the bodies of four Israeli captives were handed over to the International Red Cross.

Hamas spokesperson Abdul-Latif al-Qanou emphasized that the exchange was conducted under a "new mechanism" guaranteed by Egyptian mediators, designed to ensure Israel's compliance. He also noted that Hamas is prepared to move forward with the second phase, despite no formal proposals being presented.

The International Red Cross confirmed their presence at the Karem Abu Salem crossing and the European hospital in Gaza to facilitate the exchange. Hamas's stance underscores their determination to hold Israel accountable to the ceasefire agreement and to secure the release of all Palestinian prisoners. (ILKHA)