Hamas accuses "Israel", US of stalling ceasefire negotiations

A Hamas source has accused the Israeli Occupation and the US mediator of attempting to stall negotiations on the second phase of a ceasefire deal by limiting talks to a prisoner exchange.

According to the source, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff proposed the release of half of the detainees and half of the bodies held by Hamas. However, this proposal was rejected, and the final demand was reduced to just five individuals.

The source noted that while negotiations remain stalled, there is optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement.

Read more: Hamas to release 'Israeli'-American soldier, four bodies

On Friday, Hamas announced its approval to release an "Israeli" soldier in its custody, along with the bodies of four dual nationals, as part of the ongoing ceasefire. Talks are currently underway in Doha to advance the second phase of the agreement.

In a statement, Hamas confirmed that it had received a new proposal from mediators and responded positively. "The movement handled the proposal with responsibility and positivity and submitted its response at dawn today," the statement read.