Hamas Declares No Exchange of Hostages for Prisoners Without an End to the Conflict with Israel
The acting chief of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, recently expressed that any potential hostage-for-prisoners exchange deal with Israel hinges on the cessation of hostilities in the region.
“A prisoner swap is off the table if the war continues,” Mr. Hayya articulated during a discussion on Al-Aqsa television. He reinforced the group’s stance regarding the conditions necessary for the conflict’s resolution.
“If the aggression persists, why would Hamas, or any rational actor, relinquish a valuable bargaining chip while fighting rages on?” he questioned. His words highlight a complex dilemma: the balance between negotiation and the strategic importance of holding hostages.
Negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza have come to a standstill. The United States recently blocked a UN Security Council proposal that sought an unconditional and lasting ceasefire. The U.S. ambassador to the UN made it clear that they would support measures that explicitly demanded the immediate release of Israeli captives as part of any ceasefire arrangement.
Israeli military operations have zeroed in on northern Gaza for several weeks now.
“There are ongoing discussions with various nations and mediators to breathe new life into these negotiations,” Mr. Hayya stated. “We stand ready to continue, but it’s essential to see authentic willingness from the occupation to halt their aggression.”
He further noted, “The current situation makes it evident that Netanyahu is the one obstructing negotiations.”
In a visit to Gaza yesterday, Mr. Netanyahu made it clear that Hamas will not have authority over the enclave post-conflict, asserting that Israeli operations have severely weakened the group’s military infrastructure.
In light of ongoing tensions, Hamas has shown interest in Egypt’s proposal for a post-war governance framework in Gaza.
Netanyahu claimed that efforts to find the remaining 101 hostages believed to be in Gaza are ongoing. He even offered a $5 million reward for the return of each captive.
Hamas envisions a deal that not only concludes hostilities but also entails the release of Israeli and foreign hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has made it abundantly clear that he believes the war can only conclude with the dismantling of Hamas’ capabilities.
Qatar and Egypt have emerged as crucial mediators in this high-stakes conflict but have signaled they may withdraw their mediation efforts if both sides don’t display genuine commitment to reaching an agreement.
On November 19, Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, asserted that the political office of Hamas in Doha remains open, indicating continued diplomatic engagement.
In a recent Reuters report, a U.S. official claimed that Washington urged Qatar to expel Hamas. There are suggestions that Doha relayed this message to the group.
Mr. Al-Ansari explained that the Hamas office in Qatar was established to facilitate dialogue aimed at resolving the enduring conflict in Gaza.
Mr. Hayya acknowledged that Hamas is receptive to an Egyptian initiative proposing the formation of a joint administrative committee comprising Hamas and Fatah, the faction led by President Mahmoud Abbas. This step would likely address the critical question of governance in Gaza after hostilities cease.
Despite the potential for collaboration, final arrangements are still pending, according to Mr. Hayya. Israel has expressed distrust toward both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority regarding the management of Gaza post-conflict, stating that it envisions no role for Hamas in governance.
As the conflict rages on, Israeli strikes continue to inflict tolls on civilian areas. Health officials reported that at least 33 Palestinians, including a rescue worker, were killed as Israeli troops deepened their incursion in northern Gaza, marking an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Medics reported at least twelve fatalities caused by an airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia, with ongoing rescue efforts still searching for ten missing individuals. In another incident, an Israeli attack in Al-Mawasi led to seven deaths, including that of a young girl.
As conditions worsen, Palestinian and UN officials have asserted that safety is nonexistent within the enclave.
Further escalation occurred when an Israeli strike in the Remal neighborhood of Gaza City resulted in four fatalities. Another strike hit a school harboring displaced families, injuring at least twenty individuals.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, described dire circumstances, saying, “Our facility was bombarded in every department without a warning, while we were attempting to assist an injured patient in intensive care.”
He added that following the arrest of numerous medical personnel and the prohibition of a replacement team, they are now witnessing daily losses of patients who could be saved with adequate resources.
“Food and water have been entirely blocked from entering, and no ambulances have been allowed access to the northern regions,” he lamented.
As conditions deteriorate, 85 individuals, including children and women, were reported to be undergoing treatment at the hospital, with six in critical condition. Tragically, Dr. Abu Safiya noted that seventeen children were displaying signs of malnutrition and that one man had succumbed to dehydration just a day prior.
Israeli operations continue to target northern Gaza where military forces have conducted sieges on three significant towns, compelling residents to evacuate. Reports indicate that forces have demolished numerous homes, efforts which Palestinians claim aim to permanently displace communities to create a buffer zone, a claim Israel vehemently denies.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring