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.