Hamas says it will release Israeli captives as planned under Gaza ceasefire deal

ANKARA - The Palestinian group Hamas said on Thursday that it is ready to resume the next hostage release on Saturday if Israel adheres to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Anadolu Agency reported.

"The (Israeli) occupation has violated the agreement multiple times, whether by preventing the return of displaced people or blocking the entry of humanitarian aid,” Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanoua told Anadolu.

"If Israel does not adhere to the terms of the agreement, the prisoner exchange process will not take place,” he added.

Hamas said early on Thursday that it would release Israeli captives as planned under the Gaza ceasefire deal.

In a statement, the group said the move came after talks with mediators Egypt and Qatar, who pledged to work to "remove obstacles and bridge gaps.

Hamas will continue to implement the Gaza agreement "in accordance with the signed agreement, including the exchange of prisoners as per the specified timetable,” it added.

The Palestinian group said on Monday that it would delay the next hostage release in response to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Local Palestinian authorities listed a series of Israeli violations of the deal, including the shooting of civilians and blocking access to relief materials, such as tents and caravans, for displaced civilians in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened the next day to end the Gaza ceasefire deal if Hamas failed to release captives by noon on Saturday.

Qanoua said there were "positive signs” regarding Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement.

"Hamas is committed to what has been reached, but would not accept any Israeli violations that might disrupt the exchange process,” he added.

Hamas said a delegation, led by its leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, held talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

"Our delegation focused in meetings and communications on the necessity of adhering to and implementing all terms of the agreement, particularly in securing housing for our people and ensuring the urgent delivery of caravans, tents, heavy equipment, medical supplies, fuel, and the continued flow of relief aid and all provisions stipulated in the agreement.”

"The talks were marked by a positive spirit, and the mediators, Egypt and Qatar, emphasised the need for continued follow-up to remove obstacles and bridge gaps.” - BERNAMA-AA