Hamas has declared that it will not be involved in prisoner exchange negotiations until Israel’s military operation in Gaza is completed, the group said in a statement on Thursday (21). The statement emphasized a Palestinian national decision to avoid discussions about prisoners or exchange agreements during the ongoing aggression.
++ US releases close Maduro ally in exchange for Venezuela releasing 10 Americans
This comes simultaneously with the visit of the head of Hamas’s political office, Ismail Haniyeh, to Cairo, where he will discuss with Egyptian officials.
++ Putin says Russia does not want war with NATO and criticizes Biden’s speech
Haniyeh’s visit follows Israel’s proposal for a week-long pause in fighting in exchange for the release of 40 hostages, similar to an agreement last month that resulted in a temporary truce. Despite ongoing negotiations, an Israeli official told CNN on Wednesday (20) that the parties are not yet close to a final agreement.
Israel is currently requesting the release of all remaining hostages as part of any agreement, and the official mentioned that a temporary ceasefire, as part of the proposed deal, could last a week or two.
