Hamas affirms its commitment to prisoner swap deal as per agreed-upon timetable

CAIRO - 13 February 2025: Hamas reaffirms its commitment to implementing the agreement fully, including the exchange of prisoners, in accordance with the agreed-upon timetable.

During a meeting held in Cairo between the Hamas delegation, led by Head of the Hamas Movement in Gaza and Chief Negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya; and  Major General Hassan Rashad, head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service, the movement discussed implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners, particularly in light of repeated Israeli violations. 

Al-Hayya also conducted phone calls with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Qatar.

The delegation held multiple meetings with officials responsible for the negotiation process in Egypt and Qatar, as well as with the technical teams monitoring the agreement's implementation.

Discussions focused on the importance of fully adhering to the terms of the agreement, particularly in securing housing for displaced families and urgently providing prefabricated houses (caravans), tents, heavy machinery, medical supplies, fuel, and continued humanitarian assistance, as outlined in the agreement.

The talks were conducted in a positive atmosphere, with mediation representatives from Egypt and Qatar assuring they would address any obstacles and close any gaps in the process, the movement said.

An official source stated on February 13 that Egypt and Qatar have successfully removed obstacles to the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza, Al Qahera News reported.

The joint efforts by Egypt and Qatar ensure that both sides remain committed to implementing the agreement, the source added.

Moreover, Israeli media, citing official sources, confirmed the commitment to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip following positive signals regarding Hamas's adherence to the deal, as relayed by Al Qahera News.

The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, took effect on January 19, halting over 15 months of war that devastated the enclave and killed more than 48,000 Palestinians.

Under the ceasefire, Israel and Hamas have already exchanged a total of 766 Palestinian prisoners and 21 captives—16 Israelis and 5 Thai nationals—through five prisoner swaps, the most recent of which occurred on February 8.