Senior Hamas officials have denied recent claims by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about imminent breakthroughs in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, calling them “misleading” and insisting that talks are currently stalled.
Rubio told a congressional committee on Wednesday he was “optimistic” about a “potential major breakthrough” to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages.
However, a high-ranking Hamas figure told Al Manassa that no real progress had been made. “There has been no shift in positions,” the official said. “Hamas rejects any partial deals and remains committed to a comprehensive agreement that ends the war with clear and credible guarantees.”
The Hamas source also criticized remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Tuesday said Israel would not end its military operations until all hostages were freed, Hamas leaders left Gaza, and the group was disarmed.
“Netanyahu's statements are aimed at appeasing his domestic base and maintaining his coalition,” the official said. “These conditions are categorically rejected by Hamas and other Palestinian factions.”
Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu said an estimated 20 Israeli captives remain alive in Gaza. Estimates indicate that the total number of detainees held in Gaza is 58, following the recent release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. Of those, 22 are believed to be alive.
The group reiterated that military escalation would only worsen the situation for hostages. “Israeli prisoners will not be freed except through a comprehensive deal that ends the war,” the Hamas official said. “Military pressure will only result in more casualties among hostages and deteriorate their conditions.”
In a separate comment, another senior Hamas official said the group’s military leadership remains functional despite the loss of contact with Mohammed Al-Sinwar, a prominent commander and brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.
In October, Israeli army radio announced that Yahya Al-Sinwar had been killed in Tel Al-Sultan in Rafah, southern Gaza, a claim later confirmed by Hamas.
“Al-Qassam Brigades have restructured their decision-making processes several times during the war to ensure greater decentralization,” the official said. “Field commanders now have broader autonomy in running operations, except for matters like ceasefires and hostage deals.”
The source added that Hamas has “up-to-date information” about Israeli hostages but would only share it in the context of negotiations. “Israel will not receive this information for free. There will be a price.”
