Hamas says freeing Palestinian prisoners a 'top priority'

In a statement marking Palestinian Prisoners' Day, Hamas said freeing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails is a "top priority" and called for a global movement in support of the prisoners' cause.

"[Israel]'s prison administration continues to practice the most heinous crimes against prisoners inside prisons and detention centres, including medical negligence, torture and direct killing," the statement read, adding that 16 prisoners have been killed in Israeli jails since 7 October.

Regarding prisoners in the West Bank, Hamas said it holds Israel "fully responsible for the lives and safety of thousands of abductees detained" since the start of the current war.