Hamas Rejects Disarmament Amid Dispute Over Prisoner Release List

Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the timeline for releasing Israeli hostages remains uncertain. Israeli officials anticipate the process may commence on Monday, though preparations are in place for a potential start as early as Sunday, coinciding with or following U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Israel.

A senior Hamas official, speaking anonymously to AFP, stated that the group's disarmament is "out of the question," emphasizing that surrendering weapons is non-negotiable.

Israeli intelligence suggests Hamas requires time to coordinate the transfer of hostages, both living and deceased, to a central location for release. The agreement stipulates that living hostages will be returned first, potentially all at once to the International Red Cross, followed by the bodies of those who have died.

Tensions have arisen over the list of 250 Palestinian prisoners slated for release. Hamas demanded that all be serving life sentences, but Israel approved only 195 such cases. Israeli sources assert that the cabinet-approved list, coordinated with mediators, "will not change." A senior Palestinian official indicated that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was approached to include seven high-profile prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat, but Israel firmly refused.

Despite the dispute, Palestinian sources suggest Hamas has "no choice" but to accept the agreed terms, noting that while some voices advocate for abandoning the deal, such a scenario is unlikely.

Israeli security agencies are in contact with the families of all hostages, preparing them for the forthcoming events. Given that many of the 20 living captives are believed to be in fragile health after two years in captivity, medical teams are ready for immediate evacuation to hospitals upon their return.

In Gaza, the Hamas-run Civil Defense reported that over 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza since the ceasefire began. Spokesman Mahmoud Basal stated, "More than half a million people have returned between yesterday and today." Humanitarian organizations are urging Israel to open additional crossings to facilitate aid delivery into the Strip. Approximately 200 U.S. soldiers have arrived in Israel to assist in establishing a coordination center overseeing Gaza-related operations until a permanent administration is in place.