Hamas: Israel Can Only Secure Hostages via Prisoner Swap
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Synopsis
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi asserts that Israel can only recover its captives through a prisoner swap. He criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's approach and emphasizes adherence to the original agreement terms.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas insists on a prisoner exchange for hostages.
- Netanyahu's starvation strategy is criticized.
- Initial 42-day phase of agreement has ended.
- Hamas rejects Israel's proposal for an extension.
- Goods and supplies into Gaza are being halted by Israel.
Gaza, March 3 (NationPress) Israel will only be able to recover its captives through a prisoner swap agreement, stated senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi in a recent press statement.
According to Mardawi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is mistaken if he believes he can fulfill his objectives via the starvation tactics imposed on the Gaza Strip.
He reiterated Hamas's refusal to prolong the initial phase of the agreement with Israel, emphasizing the necessity to execute all stages as originally signed, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Mardawi urged mediators to ensure that Israel complies with the agreement's terms as stipulated.
The first 42-day phase of the three-part agreement between Hamas and Israel, which included enhanced humanitarian assistance, concluded on Saturday. During this agreement, both factions were expected to enter negotiations for a second phase, where Hamas would release additional hostages in return for an Israeli exit and a longstanding ceasefire.
However, on Friday, Israel proposed a new framework to extend the first phase for another 42 days, spanning beyond the Muslim and Jewish holidays of Ramadan and Passover, which conclude on April 20. Hamas declared on Saturday that this Israeli proposal is unacceptable.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has chosen to halt all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza as a means to compel Hamas to accept the extension proposal, which he claimed was suggested by US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.
