The Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday that the group is committed to the ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of captives.
Abu Obaida, a spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, said that the movement is ready to implement the terms of the agreement and the timeline for prisoner exchanges in a speech on television on the first day of the ceasefire.
He said that the safe return of Israeli captives, who are to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, depends entirely on Israel’s adherence to the agreement.
The spokesman warned that any violations by the Israeli side could “jeopardize the agreement, directly impacting the safety of Israeli captives and the smooth implementation of the deal.”
He called on mediators to hold Israel accountable for its obligations.
The Hamas official also warned that all attempts to integrate the “Israeli entity into the [Middle East] region” would be met by a “deep-rooted resistance.”
The people of Gaza have put up a “historic resistance” in recent months,” said Abu Obaida.
“We confirm that the great sacrifices and blood shed by our people will not be in vain,” he said.
Trucks loaded with food and humanitarian aid enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on Salah al-Din Road east of Khan Yunis during the ceasefire and hostage swap deal between Hamas and Israel. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
