Hamas says it may not return to 10-captive release proposal if Israel ditches truce talks

CAIRO – 18 July 2025: Hamas on Friday said it is closely following the ongoing talks to secure a ceasefire and a captive release agreement, but warned that it may not return to the “partial deal” formulas if Israel quits the current negotiation round.

“We work to ensure that [the talks] will lead to a deal that guarantees an end to the war on our people, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and relief for our people,” said Abu Obeida, the Spokesman for Hamas’ military wing Al Qassam Brigades, in a video statement.

Hamas and Israel have engaged in indirect talks over the past weeks in a bid to secure a 60-day ceasefire deal and the release of 10 living captives still held in Gaza.

Hamas’ approval of such proposal represents a significant shift from its long-held position, rejecting any prisoner-captive swap deal until Israel agrees to a permanent end to the war.

Updated Proposal

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have intensified their mediating role to ensure the success of this round of talks, with the war in Gaza killing nearly 60,000 Palestinians so far and pushing the enclave toward imminent famine amid Israeli restrictions on aid.

Earlier this week, Egypt, Qatar, and the US reportedly presented an updated ceasefire proposal to Israel and Hamas in an effort to resolve the outstanding issues obstructing a deal.

The changes include the extent of Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza during the ceasefire period and the number of Palestinian prisoners set to be released per each captive, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two sources.

Despite reported progress in the negotiations, Hamas has repeatedly accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of placing obstacles in the face of efforts to reach a deal in order to prolong the war for personal interests.

‘Last Chance Talks’

“If the enemy persists and reneges on this round as it has done every time, we do not guarantee a return to the partial deals formulas or to the proposal of the ten prisoners,” Abu Obeida warned.

His remarks come four months after Israel shattered a ceasefire with Hamas on 18 March, killing hundreds of Palestinians this day, after Hamas refused to extend the temporary truce and urged a transition to a permanent end to hostilities as stipulated by the agreement.

This latest ceasefire continued for two months and saw the release of 38 captives, 30 of whom are alive, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian.

Abu Obeida accused the Israeli government of not caring about the remaining captives “because they are soldiers and their case is not a priority.”

“They have prepared the public in the entity to accept the idea of their deaths, but we have insisted on protecting them as much as possible until now.”

Israeli captive Omer Shem Tov kisses the head of a fighter from Al Qassam as he was released in a prisoner-captive swap under the Gaza ceasefire deal, Feb. 22, 2025 - Hamas

‘Attrition War’

As 21 months have passed since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, Abu Obeida stressed that the brigades are “fully prepared to continue a prolonged war of attrition against the occupation forces, regardless of the form of their aggression and their aggressive plans.”

He warned that in case Israel “decides to continue the war of genocide, it simultaneously decides to continue receiving the funerals of soldiers and officers.”

The Israeli army last week confirmed 890 military fatalities since the onset of the war on 7 October 2023, including 41 since the ceasefire was broken.

Abu Obeida accused the Israeli forces of “mass killing tactics” against the soldiers suspected of being targeted for capture by Hamas fighters.

Israeli forces continue to kill dozens of Palestinians in Gaza every day despite the ongoing talks aimed at securing a ceasefire deal and facilitating the release of captives.

Since the start of the Gaza war, Israel has killed 58,667 Palestinians, including 7,843 since Israel shattered the previous ceasefire. As a result, Israel is facing accusations of genocide and war crimes at international courts.