Hamas has said that the United States, a mediator in the Gaza truce deal, must ensure that Israel abides by the agreement to secure the release of captives still held in the Palestinian territory, AFP reports.

“The United States must compel the occupation to adhere to the agreement if it truly cares about the prisoners’ (captives) lives,” said Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, in a statement issued after the group freed three captives earlier in the day.