Khaleel Al-Hayya, the chief of the Islamic and Arab relations in Hamas, said, in an interview with Al-Jazeera Live, that connecting the blockade to the prisoners’ issue is rejected. He also noted that Hamas does not accept a long-term ceasefire without a political agreement that guarantees the Palestinians’ rights. 

Al-Hayya said that Hamas seeks to lift the blockade imposed on Gaza, and appreciated the Egyptian and Qatari efforts. He also noted that the Israeli occupation continues to disrupt the prisoners’ issue, and that the area will remain ignited if the Israeli occupation keeps its arbitrary measures in Al-Quds and with the hunger-striking prisoners.