Husam Badran, a member of the Hamas political bureau, tells Al Jazeera that the captives in Gaza are not the “root cause for this war” and reiterates that a swap deal cannot happen without a ceasefire.

“The swap deal can be reached, but it cannot be achieved without a lasting ceasefire and the end of this belligerent war on our Palestinian people,” Badran said.

“After that, all issues are subject to negotiations and can be laid on the table. We have reiterated this through all the mediators. We are prepared for an all against all swap deal,” Badran said.

Opinion

Editorial

Shifting climate tone
Updated 08 May, 2026

Shifting climate tone

Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital.
Honour and impunity
08 May, 2026

Honour and impunity

THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings...
No real change
08 May, 2026

No real change

THE Indian sports ministry’s move to allow Pakistani players and teams to participate in multilateral events ...
A breakthrough?
07 May, 2026

A breakthrough?

The whole world would welcome an end to this pointless war.
Missed opportunity
07 May, 2026

Missed opportunity

A BIG opportunity to industrialise Pakistan has just passed us by. This has been reconfirmed by the investment...
Punishing dissent
07 May, 2026

Punishing dissent

THE Sindh government’s treatment of the Aurat March this week was a disgraceful assault on democratic rights. What...