Hamas: No prisoner exchange with Israel until there’s ceasefire in Gaza

Hamas says no prisoner exchange with Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza

A helicopter carrying hostages released amid a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel arrives at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv district, Israel, November 30, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Deputy Hamas chief Saleh Al-Arouri told the pan-Arab Al Jazeera TV on Saturday that no more prisoners would be exchanged with Israel until there was a ceasefire in Gaza.

Arouri said the hostages still being held captive by Hamas were Israeli soldiers and civilian men who had previously served in the Israeli army.

READ: Israel bombs Gaza as war resumes after truce with Hamas collapses

He said they would not be freed unless there was a ceasefire and all Palestinian detainees were also released.

“Let the war take its course. This decision is final. We will not compromise on it,” Arouri said.

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