Senior Hamas leader says group still pushing mediators on release of Palestinian terror chiefs

Hamas politburo member Moussa Abu Marzouk, front, attends the funeral of Saleh Arouri, in Beirut, Lebanon, January 4, 2024. (AP/Hussein Malla)
Hamas politburo member Moussa Abu Marzouk, front, attends the funeral of Saleh Arouri, in Beirut, Lebanon, January 4, 2024. (AP/Hussein Malla)

A senior Hamas official says that the terror group is in contact with mediators about several Palestinian terrorist leaders who Israel has refused to free under the US-brokered deal, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat.

“The movement (Hamas) is insisting on their release and negotiations are still ongoing,” Mousa Abu Marzouk tells the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV network.

He says Israel turned down several other proposed names. When asked if those included Abdullah Barghouti, Hassan Salama, Ibrahim Hamed and Abbas al-Sayyed, he replies, “Yes. These are the most prominent names that the occupation always rejects.”

The remarks came as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine put out a statement saying they would agree to abide the ceasefire and hostage release deal despite Israel’s refusal to free a number of the prisoners they are demanding.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.