Hamas stressed that it will not give up its demand for a final ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of the hostages it has been holding since the October 7 attack on southern Israel.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the movement’s military wing, said in a televised statement carried by Agence France-Presse, “Our top priority for completing the prisoner exchange is full commitment to stopping the aggression and the enemy’s withdrawal, and there is no giving up on that.”

Earlier today, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that it was up to the Hamas movement to agree to a ceasefire that would allow more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, and to hold talks on a “permanent solution” to the conflict.

Hamas left talks in Cairo aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement before Ramadan, amid fears about an escalation of violence during Ramadan.

Israel and Hamas are exchanging accusations of not reaching an agreement that would obligate Hamas to free some of the hostages it is still holding in exchange for a 40-day truce. Palestinian prisoners in Israel will also be released.

Blinken said before his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that Washington is still pressing to implement a ceasefire.

He added: “The problem is Hamas.” The problem is whether or not Hamas will decide to implement a ceasefire that will benefit everyone.” He continued: “The ball is in their court.” “We are working hard on that and we will see what they do.”