No prisoner exchange without Gaza ceasefire: Hamas official

GAZA -- A Hamas official said on Wednesday that there would be no prisoner exchange without the Gaza ceasefire.

"We say clearly, we want this aggression to stop, and it must stop first in order to carry out any prisoner exchange," Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas' political bureau, was quoted by Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV as saying.

Al-Hayya noted that communications with various countries and intermediaries are ongoing, emphasizing that they are "ready and proactive." However, he stressed the key lies in "the occupation's true will to stop the aggression."

Al-Hayya reaffirmed that Hamas is exploring all paths to stop the "aggression," affirming that "as Palestinians, we want, in the clearest terms, the cessation of the aggression."

He said Hamas supports the creation of a committee to handle Gaza-related issues, "with the essential condition that this committee manages Gaza fully and locally, handling all matters related to daily life there."

Al-Hayya underscored the importance of productive meetings in Cairo with Fatah and other Palestinian leaders, which have advanced unity efforts.

"Gaza is not isolated; it is an integral part of the Palestinian national fabric. We call for continued coordination between Gaza and the West Bank to safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people and prevent divisions or threats," he said.