New mechanism in place for hostage-detainee releases: Hamas

The release of the seventh group of Palestinian detainees in exchange for bodies of Israeli hostages will take place under a new mechanism that ensures Israel’s commitment, a Hamas spokesman said on Wednesday. The date of the swap will be announced in due course, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Qanou said in a statement. Israel has delayed the release of about 600 Palestinian prisoners since Saturday in protest against what it says has been the cruel treatment of hostages by Hamas during the releases to date. He added that Egyptian mediators guaranteed the exchange and that the group is committed to and keen to complete the agreement and oblige Israel to abide by it.