The acting head of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, said in a statement on Wednesday that a hostage exchange with Israel would be possible until the war in the Palestinian territories ends. “Without the end of the war there can be no exchange of prisoners,” Hayya said in an interview with the Al-Aqsa television channel.
He said: “If the attack does not stop, why would the resistance, and especially Hamas, return the prisoners (hostages)?”
The United States vetoed
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza have stalled, with the United States on Wednesday vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an unconditional permanent ceasefire. Washington’s ambassador to the UN said the United States would only support a resolution that paves the way for the immediate release of Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire.
Also read: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suddenly arrived in Gaza in the middle of the war and a reward of 38 million rupees remains for the release of a hostage.
Hayya, who led the Hamas negotiating team in talks with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to reach a ceasefire. “There are ongoing contacts with some countries and mediators to reactivate this file (the negotiations). We are willing to continue those efforts, but what is needed is a real will on the part of the occupation to stop the attack,” Hayya said. .
“Reality shows that it is Netanyahu who is weakening (the talks),” he said.
During a visit to Gaza on Tuesday, Netanyahu said Hamas would not govern the Palestinian territory once the war ends.
Why did Netanyahu come to Gaza?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gaza with his Defense Minister Israel Coats. They both arrived at an unknown location in Gaza. There he announced a financial reward to the Palestinians for the release of the hostages and their departure from the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised a reward of $5 million (around Rs 38 million) for each hostage. He said: “I also tell those who want to get out of this maze, whoever takes us hostage, your family will have a safe way out.” We will reward each hostage with 5 million dollars. You choose, the choice is yours.
On October 7 of last year, Hamas attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people, while taking 250 people hostage. Some of them were conditionally released after two brief ceasefires, but many were killed in the attack. Around 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Continuous demonstrations are being held to obtain his release. There have been several failed attempts to achieve a ceasefire.
