Talks with Israel through mediators on further steps in a ceasefire agreement are conditional on Palestinian detainees being released as agreed, Hamas official Basem Naim has told Reuters.

“Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and the six Israeli captives who were freed on Saturday,” Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, told Reuters.

“The mediators must ensure that the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text.”

Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners it had planned to free on Saturday “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies”.