Indonesia Denies Hosting Palestinian Prisoners in Ceasefire Agreement

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has dismissed reports suggesting that Hamas is negotiating with the country to house Palestinian prisoners released under the ceasefire deal with Israel. The statement followed a media report claiming that Hamas had discussions with Indonesia and Algeria about accommodating these prisoners.

According to Antara News Agency, in a clarification issued on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat stated that no official communication had occurred between Indonesia and the relevant parties on the matter. He added that Indonesia only communicates officially with the Palestinian National Authority, which currently governs the West Bank, while Hamas controls Gaza.

Earlier, a Saudi news outlet had referenced a Palestinian media report stating that Hamas was in talks with several countries, including Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan, and Malaysia, to accept Palestinian prisoners released by Israel. Tunisia, however, has reportedly declined to accommodate the prisoners.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of hostages, went into effect on January 19, 2025. Under the terms, Hamas is gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel is freeing Palestinian prisoners in exchange. So far, Hamas has released 18 hostages, with more to follow.