Acting head of Hamas, Khalil al-Haya, said in an interview with Al-Aqsa TV that there will be no deal with Israel on a hostage-for-prisoner exchange until the war in the Gaza Strip is ended, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
“Why is it up to the resistance, and more specifically to Hamas, to return prisoners (hostages) if the aggression does not end,” Haya asked. “How can a sane or insane person lose the strong card he has while the war is going on,” he added.
“There can be no exchange of prisoners until the war ends,” stressed Haya, who heads the Hamas team involved in the talks brokered by Qatar and Egypt. He blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the lack of progress in efforts to reach an agreement. Netanyahu, for his part, blames the impasse that the negotiations have reached on Hamas.
“At the moment, contacts are being made with some countries and mediators in order to renew the negotiations. We are ready to continue with these efforts, but it is more important to see a real will on the part of the occupation to end the aggression,” Haya said. .
“Reality proves that Netanyahu is the one who is undermining the process,” the Hamas leader added.
Netanyahu, who visited Gaza yesterday, said Hamas would not be able to rule the Palestinian enclave after the end of the war and that Israel had destroyed the Islamist group’s military capacity.
The prime minister also indicated that Israel has not given up its efforts to find the remaining 101 hostages and expressed confidence that they are still in the enclave. Netanyahu also offered a reward of 5 million. euro for the return of each one of them.
What are the main factors influencing Hamas’ refusal to agree to a hostage-for-prisoner exchange during the ongoing conflict?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle East Conflict Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re delighted to speak with you, especially in light of the recent statements from Khalil al-Haya, the acting head of Hamas. He emphasized that there will be no discussions over a hostage-for-prisoner exchange until the conflict in Gaza ceases. Can you provide some context on this situation?
Expert: Absolutely, thank you for having me. The situation is incredibly complex. Khalil al-Haya’s remarks reflect a common stance among militant groups where they emphasize that any negotiations depend on the broader context of conflict. For Hamas, the ongoing military actions signify a power imbalance, and they believe it would be unjust to negotiate while Israeli actions continue.
Editor: That raises an important point. Al-Haya questioned why it falls to Hamas to return hostages in light of ongoing aggression. How does this perspective influence public sentiment in Gaza and support for Hamas?
Expert: It plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. By framing the issue in terms of resistance and aggression, Hamas seeks to justify its actions and maintain support among its base. Many people in Gaza perceive the conflict as a struggle for survival against external forces, which amplifies their support for Hamas’ hardline positions during times of escalated tensions.
Editor: In previous conflicts, hostage exchanges have sometimes served as catalysts for further dialog. Do you think that this current stance from Hamas might hinder potential future negotiations?
Expert: It certainly has the potential to create barriers. If both sides are entrenched in their positions, with Hamas demanding an end to hostilities before any exchanges and Israel possibly responding with more military action, it could lead to a deadlock. Historically, hostage exchanges have had the ability to bridge divides, but under the current circumstances, the preconditions set by Hamas complicate matters significantly.
Editor: Given the intense emotions and high stakes involved in this conflict, how can international mediators find a way to encourage dialog when both sides are so firm in their stances?
Expert: International mediators face a daunting challenge. They will need to balance the demands of both parties while exploring avenues for a ceasefire. Creating an environment that is conducive to de-escalation is critical, possibly through back-channel communications or through humanitarian agreements that might ease the immediate suffering of civilians. However, for any long-lasting success, both sides must feel some level of security and assurance that their core demands will be addressed.
Editor: That makes sense. Lastly, how do you see the international community responding to these developments?
Expert: The international community’s response has historically varied. Some nations are more supportive of Israel’s right to self-defense while others advocate for Palestinian rights and humanitarian needs. Both sides have vocal supporters, and the response can often deepen divides. Broadly speaking, an emphasis on humanitarian aid, calls for restraint, and a push for dialog are essential, but they must also be accompanied by a recognition of the complexities on the ground.
Editor: Thank you for your insightful analysis. As this situation unfolds, it’s crucial for us to understand the nuances and the stakes involved. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to your perspectives as this situation evolves.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations going, as understanding the intricacies can lead to better-informed discussions about the path forward.