Hamas says no prisoner negotiations without complete cessation of ‘aggression’ on Gaza

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Hamas reiterated its refusal Thursday to engage in talks about a prisoner exchange with Israel unless there is a complete cessation of aggression against the Gaza Strip and a commitment to conditions set by resistance factions.

The declaration was made during a news conference in the Lebanese capital of Beirut by Hamas leader Osama Hamdan.

“There will be no negotiation regarding any prisoner exchange deal unless there is a complete halt to aggression against the Gaza Strip and adherence to the conditions of the resistance,” said Hamdan.

He expressed the group’s willingness “to engage in all efforts aimed at ending aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, releasing prisoners, and establishing a national framework for the recovery of national rights, leading to the creation of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem.”​​​​​​​

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala