Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Jul 19: In a rare video appearance after four months, Abu Obaida, the official spokesperson of Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed on Friday that the group offered to release all Israeli captives in Gaza under a comprehensive ceasefire, but the proposal was rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet.

“War criminal Netanyahu and his ministers rejected our offer. It’s now clear they are not concerned about the fate of their soldiers,” said Abu Obaida, accusing the Israeli government of preparing its public for the possibility that all captives may die.

His remarks came as indirect negotiations resumed in Qatar, though progress remains stalled. Abu Obaida warned that if Israel withdraws from the current round of talks, Hamas will no longer consider returning to any earlier prisoner swap proposals.

Sources told Middle East Eye that families of the captives had reached out to Hamas fearing Netanyahu might sabotage the negotiations. A senior Hamas figure reportedly reassured them of the group’s seriousness to end the war and reach an agreement but blamed Israel for taking a rigid stance.

According to sources, Hamas insists it fulfilled all conditions of the first phase of a previous ceasefire deal and was ready for phase two discussions when Israel resumed its military offensive and backed out of the agreement.

Hamas said it remains committed to peace and stability, but accused Israel of choosing continued warfare, mass displacement, and unrelenting bombardment that has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in nearly two years.

While US President Donald Trump claimed that ceasefire talks were progressing, Hamas negotiators remained sceptical. Talks reportedly remain deadlocked over key issues, including Israeli withdrawal timelines and aid distribution mechanisms.

In the video, Abu Obaida also revealed that the Qassam Brigades had inflicted heavy losses on Israeli forces and praised international solidarity with Palestinians. He criticised Arab leaders for their inaction, saying, “The genocide wouldn’t have happened if not for their silence and betrayal.”

Abu Obaida concluded with a call to action: “No one is exempt. Everyone who can act must do so.”