Hamas accuses Israel of hindering hostage deal
By Olivia Land
A spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing has accused Israel of hindering a possible hostage-prisoner exchange deal to end the devastating three-week conflict, Haaretz reported.
"There have been various contacts regarding a prisoner exchange, but Israel did not convey seriousness," said Abu Obeida, according to the outlet.
"The price for the release of the large number of our prisoners is the liberation of all Palestinian inmates from Israeli prisons."
Hamas does not object to Palestinian prisoners being released in phases instead of all at once, Obeida added.
Obeida also called out other Middle East countries for not mobilizing enough aid for the Gaza Strip.
"We do not expect Arab countries to mobilize their armies, but they can't even mobilize relief convoys," he insisted.
"We are not concerned about Israel's threats regarding a ground incursion, and we are prepared and tell the enemy that we are waiting for it."