The spokesperson for the Hamas movement, Hazem Qassem, affirmed that the release of Palestinian prisoners in the seventh batch must take place before discussing negotiations for the second phase.  

In a press statement on Monday, Qassem said, "The extension of the first phase depends on what is proposed at the table and the guarantees of the occupation's commitment."  

The movement's spokesperson added, "There must be serious guarantees from the mediators and even from the United States."