Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip. AP
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Tuesday that the dozens of captives would only be returned if all parties remain committed to a ceasefire deal reached last month.
“Trump must remember there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties. This is the only way to bring back prisoners,” he said.
“The language of threats has no value; it only complicates matters,” he added.
Hamas has threatened to delay the next release of three Israeli captives planned for Saturday, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, including by not allowing a surge of tents and shelters into the devastated territory.
Trump said Monday that the ceasefire should be cancelled if Hamas doesn’t release all the remaining captives it is holding in Gaza by midday on Saturday — though he also said that such a decision would be up to Israel.
The agreement calls for the gradual release of dozens of captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
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