Hamas: Problem of delaying release of Palestinian prisoners resolved

GAZA, Feb. 26 (YPA) -The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas announced on Tuesday evening that an agreement had been reached to resolve the problem of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released in the seventh batch of the ceasefire agreement with the Israeli occupation government.

The Palestinian prisoners were supposed to be released last Saturday, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a delay in their release and set new conditions outside the announced agreement.

Hamas said in a statement on its delegation’s visit to Cairo that “an agreement was reached to resolve the problem of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released in the last batch, so that they would be released simultaneously with the bodies of the Israeli prisoners.”

The release of the bodies is the same as those agreed to be handed over during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, and it was agreed – according to a Hamas statement – to release “the equivalent of Palestinian women and children.”

The movement said in a statement: “The Hamas leadership delegation, headed by Khalil Al-Hayya, concluded its visit to Cairo, where it met with Egyptian officials. Discussions were held on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of prisoners, and the prospects for the second phase of negotiations.”

Hamas added that the delegation “affirmed its clear position on the necessity of full and precise commitment to all its provisions and stages.”

For his part, an Israeli official said on Tuesday evening that understandings had been reached with Hamas to resolve the crisis of Tel Aviv delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released.

@E.Y.M