According to Al Jazeera, Hamas has announced that it will proceed with the release of Israeli captives this weekend, following assurances from mediators Egypt and Qatar regarding Israel's commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim spoke to Al Jazeera, emphasizing the group's readiness to comply with the terms of the deal, provided that Israel demonstrates seriousness in its implementation. "We also insisted that we are still committed and ready to comply with the agreement if the Israelis can show a seriousness in implementing [the deal]," Naim stated.
Earlier in the week, Hamas had postponed the planned release of captives, citing violations by Israel of the ceasefire terms. However, on Thursday, they reversed their decision and confirmed that the release would take place as originally scheduled. Naim defended the initial postponement, highlighting that Israel has blocked essential humanitarian aid and has reportedly killed at least 25 Palestinians since the ceasefire began. He expressed hope that more humanitarian supplies, including tents, caravans, and heavy machinery, would soon enter Gaza to assist in reconstruction efforts.
Despite this progress, Naim expressed concern over recent statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza. Trump's plan, which suggests a forced displacement of Palestinians from the Strip, has been met with widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders. Naim criticized these remarks, asserting that they do not promote security or stability in the region but instead lead to further escalation and turmoil. "Trump's plan is not for security, and stability and prosperity in the region, but more escalations and turmoil in the region by the forceful expulsion of two million Palestinians," he said.
He added that such proposals are not only misguided but represent a severe moral failing: "This is immoral. It is a crime against humanity and ethnic cleansing. Palestinians are not ready to leave their homeland."
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, Hamas's commitment to releasing Israeli captives could be seen as a step towards maintaining peace and fulfilling humanitarian obligations under the ceasefire agreement.
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