Hamdan stated that "no one has an idea" of how many of the hostages are still alive. He emphasized that Hamas requires a clear stance from Israel to agree to a ceasefire, which includes a complete withdrawal from Gaza and allowing Palestinians to determine their own future.

"The reconstruction, the lifting of the siege, and we are ready to talk about a fair deal about the prisoners exchange," Hamdan added.

A significant issue for the ceasefire agreement is its duration, according to Hamdan, who accused Israel of not intending to follow through with all the steps in the deal.

When questioned about the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, Hamdan defended Hamas, describing the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7 as a "reaction against the Israeli occupation."

Hamdan dismissed reports that CNN cited, in which Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar purportedly said that the tens of thousands of deaths were "necessary sacrifices."

Regarding the mental state of Israeli captives recovered during the Nuseirat operation last week, Hamdan again blamed Israel for the conditions in Gaza. "This is because of what Israel has done in Gaza. Because (no one can) handle what Israel is doing, bombing each day, killing civilians, killing women and children ... they saw that (with) their own eyes," he said.

The interview with Hamdan sheds light on the complex dynamics of the hostage situation, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the contentious issues surrounding potential ceasefire agreements. (ILKHA)