Hamas: Israel is stalling on ceasefire and hostage exchange

Al-Rishq noted that Israel has refused to release certain Palestinian women and children held in its prisons in exchange for the release of 50 women and children held by Hamas, and has also refused to declare a genuine humanitarian ceasefire.

EMPHASIS ON 'STALLING POLICY'

Stating that the agreement also includes the delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip and the provision of a secure environment to allow for the distribution of aid, al-Rishq emphasized that Israel is not serious about reaching an agreement and is stalling to gain more time and continue its attacks.

It had been reported that Israel rejected a prisoner exchange proposal that included the release of women and children held in Israeli prisons in exchange for 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, as well as a 3-day pause in fighting in the Gaza Strip.

HAD ANNOUNCED THAT ISRAEL POSTPONED THE PRISONER EXCHANGE ISSUE

Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, noted in an audio recording published on Hamas's Telegram channel that Qatari mediators had been working throughout the past week for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 25 women in exchange for Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Stating that Israel requested the release of 100 women and children in Gaza, Abu Obeida said that as Al-Qassam, they had informed the mediators that they could release 50 women and children with a 5-day ceasefire, and that this number could reach 70.

Stating that they demanded the agreement for the prisoner exchange include a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid, Abu Obeida had expressed that Israel was "postponing and evading" this issue.