Hamas refuses further talks unless Israel releases agreed prisoners

Palestinians gather as Hamas fighters deploy ahead of the planned release of Israeli hostages set to be handed over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)
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CAIRO: Hamas will not hold talks with Israel through mediators on any further steps in the fragile, phased ceasefire agreement unless Palestinian prisoners are released as agreed, group official Basem Naim told Reuters on Sunday.
Israel said on Sunday it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners it had planned to free the day before until militant group Hamas met its conditions.