Hamas Says Israel Rejected Offer to Release All Captives in Gaza

Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced on Friday that it had repeatedly offered to release all captives held in Gaza in exchange for a comprehensive ceasefire, but said Israel rejected the proposal. The statement was made by Qassam spokesperson Abu Obaida in his first video appearance in over four months, where he accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet of refusing the deal and not prioritizing the fate of Israeli captives.

Abu Obaida warned that if Israel withdraws from the current round of indirect talks in Qatar, Hamas may not return to previous partial swap proposals. The talks remain deadlocked, with sources close to Palestinian negotiators citing disagreements over the extent of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza during a proposed truce and the method of aid distribution. The United States has reportedly suggested postponing these discussions to focus on the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for Israeli captives.

According to sources, families of Israeli captives have reached out to Hamas through a representative, expressing concern that Netanyahu might be undermining a potential agreement. Hamas officials told the representative that the group remains serious about ending the conflict and releasing captives but faces what they described as inflexible Israeli positions.

The conflict has continued for over 21 months, with Israeli military operations in Gaza resulting in significant casualties and widespread displacement, according to Palestinian sources. Abu Obaida also used his video address to thank international supporters of the Palestinian cause and criticized Arab leaders for not taking stronger action, stating, "Everyone who can act, according to their ability and influence, must do so."