“They have said that they do not have an intention to hold civilian and non-Israeli prisoners, but due to the intensity and continuity of the bombardment, they are unable to distinguish the identity and separate the military and civilian prisoners and Israeli and non-Israeli prisoners.” Shoushtari said in an exclusive interview with ISNA.
The Iranian diplomat also said Hamas officials announced that it is not possible to exchange prisoners as long as the attacks continue.
“However in a limited number of cases, Hamas released several prisoners, including women and elderly people, in order to show its goodwill.” Shoushtari added.
Four captives have been released so far after negotiations through diplomatic channels with mediation from countries that include Qatar and Egypt.
On October 20, Hamas released the first captives – US citizens Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17 – saying it was for “humanitarian reasons”.
On October 23, two Israeli women – Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85 – were also released.
MNA/ISN
