The negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire, however, have now hit a roadblock, with Hamas stating that talks will not go forward unless Palestinian prisoners are released in accordance with agreements, according to Bassem Naim, a Hamas official.
Stalls in Prisoner Release
Under the arrangement, Hamas released six Israeli hostages on Saturday, claiming restitution by Israel would be the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. However, citing alleged violations by Hamas, Israel postponed the release.
The Israeli View
The delay was, according to the Prime Minister’s Office of Israel, owing to Hamas’s behavior, which disrespects prisoners and utilizes them as propaganda.
Tension within the Ceasefire
While both parties accuse each other of breaches to the ceasefire that went into effect on January 19, Hamas maintains that enabling mediators must ensure that Israel observes its commitments before any further talks can happen.