Hamas Accuses Israel of Blocking Ceasefire and Hostage Release Talks
GAZA CITY, July 19 (VOM-Voice of Malaysia) – The armed wing of Hamas has accused Israel of obstructing progress in negotiations aimed at reaching a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by the militant group.
In a video statement released Friday, Abu Obaida, spokesperson for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said Hamas had presented a comprehensive deal that would allow for the return of all hostages simultaneously. However, he claimed that Israel had rejected the proposal.
“Hamas has always proposed a comprehensive deal that will return all the hostages at once,” Abu Obaida said. “But the occupation [Israel] has rejected what we proposed.”
He warned that Israel’s continued resistance to the terms offered could derail ongoing efforts to reach a broader agreement.
“If the enemy remains obstinate in this round of negotiations, we cannot guarantee a return to the partial-deal proposals — including the 10-prisoner exchange offer,” he added, referring to a previously discussed arrangement involving the staged release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The statement comes amid renewed international pressure to end the months-long war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which triggered the current conflict.
Talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have stalled in recent weeks, despite mounting humanitarian concerns and rising civilian casualties in Gaza.
Israel has repeatedly stated that any deal must include the release of hostages without allowing Hamas to regroup or retain control over Gaza, while Hamas continues to demand a full ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces as part of any agreement.
The latest warning from the Qassam Brigades signals a potentially hardening stance from Hamas and could complicate efforts by mediators to revive negotiations.
As of now, no breakthrough has been reported, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with thousands of civilians displaced and essential services on the brink of collapse.
📲 Read the full story and stay updated with Voice of Malaysia
🔗www.vom24.com/
👇 Follow us for more updates!
✅ Facebook: facebook.com/vomvoiceofmalaysia
✅Twitter: x.com/vomalaysia
✅ Instagram: instagram.com/voiceofmalaysia
✅ YouTube: youtube.com/@vomtv24