Gaza: Hamas has accused Israel of pursuing a policy of “slow killing” against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.The statement came after the release of seven prisoners on Saturday, who were subsequently rushed to hospital. The group claimed this reflected a broader pattern of systematic mistreatment by Israeli authorities.

"The fact that seven prisoners were transferred to hospitals immediately after their release... reflects the systematic assaults and mistreatment of our prisoners by the Israeli prison authorities," Hamas said in its statement. It added that such actions are part of a broader strategy pursued by the "extremist Israeli government," which it claims is aimed at the slow demise of prisoners held in Israeli detention.

Ceasefire negotiations

Amid the continuing conflict, it remains unclear whether Israel and Hamas have entered discussions regarding a second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This phase would involve the release of remaining hostages and potentially extend the truce indefinitely.

The war could resume in early March if no agreement is reached between the two parties.

Israel’s stance: committed to destroying Hamas

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has stated that it remains steadfast in its goal of eradicating Hamas. This comes after Hamas reasserted its control over Gaza within hours of the ceasefire taking effect.

One of Israel’s key far-right coalition partners, however, is pushing for the resumption of hostilities after the first phase of the ceasefire concluded.

Hamas’ conditions for hostage release

Hamas has made it clear that it will not release the remaining hostages unless the war ends and there is a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This demand forms part of the ongoing negotiations as both sides await a resolution to the conflict.

Casualties on both sides

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both Israelis and Palestinians. In the October 7 attack, some 1,200 people, primarily civilians, were killed. In retaliation, Israel’s air and ground operations have led to the deaths of more than 47,000 Palestinians, with over half of the casualties being women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry has not specified how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military has reported that it killed over 17,000 fighters, although it has not provided independent evidence to support this claim. Israel also blames Hamas for civilian deaths, asserting that its fighters operate within residential areas, thus putting non-combatants at risk.

(Agency inputs)