GAZA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Hamas warned on Tuesday that Israel's refusal to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, seriously violated the ongoing ceasefire agreement and risked its collapse.
Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau, said in a statement that the Israeli government was "putting the agreement at risk of collapse by manipulating its terms and threatening to resume the war."
He accused Israel of multiple violations, including killing over 100 Palestinians, blocking essential humanitarian aid, and refusing to negotiate the agreement's second phase.
Naim stressed Hamas had adhered to all terms of the truce deal since its enforcement on Jan. 19 and remained committed to its implementation for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
"The release of Palestinian prisoners, as stipulated in the agreement, is a fundamental condition," he said, urging international pressure on Israel to comply and prevent further escalation.
Israel said it was withholding the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for Feb. 22 until Hamas halts what it called "elaborate, propaganda-filled ceremonies" when releasing hostages or transferring bodies of those killed in captivity. ■
