Hamas refuses further ceasefire negotiations until Israel frees 620 Palestinian prisoners as agreed

Tensions are soaring in Gaza as Hamas has declared it will not engage in further ceasefire discussions unless Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners as previously agreed. The fragile truce, set to expire on Saturday, is now at risk of collapse, with both sides accusing each other of violating terms.

Israel abruptly delayed the prisoner release over the weekend, citing Hamas’s “humiliating” hostage handover ceremonies and its alleged use of captives for propaganda. The decision was met with immediate backlash from Hamas, which accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging the ceasefire deal.

Hamas official Basem Naim issued a stark warning to mediators—including the US, Qatar, and Egypt—saying no further steps will be discussed until the prisoners are freed. He questioned whether Israel would even honor future agreements, warning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be preparing for a return to war.

The White House backed Israel’s decision, calling it a justified response to Hamas’s treatment of hostages. However, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit the region this week in an effort to salvage the truce and push for an extension.

The ceasefire’s first phase has so far resulted in the exchange of 25 living Israeli hostages and four deceased captives for Palestinian prisoners. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have also returned to their homes, and aid has started flowing into the devastated territory.

But with the next phase meant to secure the release of remaining hostages, full Israeli withdrawal, and a permanent ceasefire, all progress now hangs in the balance.

As the clock ticks towards Saturday’s deadline, Gaza remains on edge. If negotiations stall, the war could reignite at full force.