Hamas has delayed the next scheduled release of Israeli hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal, while tensions rise between both sides and international calls for adherence to agreements intensify.
A spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas has announced a postponement of the next planned release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. The release, which was set for Saturday, was supposed to see three hostages freed in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, condemned the move, calling it a “complete violation of the ceasefire agreement” and stressing that Israel would not tolerate a return to the conditions experienced on October 7, 2023.
US President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israel, has suggested that the ceasefire should be ended if all hostages are not returned by Saturday. He firmly stated, “They ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday… all of them, not in dribs and drabs,” further warning that, if not, “all hell is going to break out.” Trump added that while his comments reflect his personal stance, Israel has the authority to take its own action.
Seventy-three hostages, taken during Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, and three others held for a decade, are still being held in Gaza. Trump hinted at possible retaliation if the hostages were not freed on time, stating, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out too.”
In response to the escalation, Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces to remain on the highest level of alert for any scenario, underscoring that the IDF would protect Israeli communities and prevent any recurrence of the October 7 attack.
Hamas’s announcement came just before a gathering in Tel Aviv to mark the 24th birthday of Alon Ohel, an Israeli hostage whose second birthday in captivity prompted calls for immediate action to secure his release. Mia Goldstein, one of the attendees at the rally, voiced her concerns, saying that Hamas’s delay in freeing the hostages was “horrifying” and that immense pressure should be exerted on the group to release the remaining captives.
Michal Neeman, another protestor in Tel Aviv, shared the sentiment, expressing frustration that the hostages should have been released months ago. She stated, “You see the situation, they are dying there, and their blood is on this government’s hands.”
United Nations spokesperson Farhan Haq expressed concerns about the delay, stressing that any delays in the ceasefire agreement could have significant repercussions. He urged all parties to adhere to the previously stated commitments and timelines.
While Hamas has suggested that the exchange may still proceed on Saturday if Israel meets its obligations, the group accused Israel of delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to the north of Gaza, obstructing humanitarian aid, and continuing to fire on civilians. The delay in the release is just the latest in a series of actions that have escalated tensions between the two sides.
Recently, Israel delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to Gaza, citing Hamas’s failure to free a female Israeli civilian hostage as promised. Additionally, Israel delayed buses transporting Palestinian prisoners for release to the occupied West Bank after anger over the manner in which hostages were released through crowds in Gaza.
This delay follows another incident in which Hamas exceeded the deadline for releasing the names of hostages to be freed, causing further concern in Israel. The group also accused Israel of failing to fulfill its commitment to allow a substantial increase in humanitarian aid, contradicting reports of a “massive surge” by the UN’s humanitarian chief.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals have been freed in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners. By the end of the first stage of the ceasefire, which is set to end in three weeks, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be released. However, Israel has reported that eight of the 33 hostages are already confirmed dead.
Hamas’s October 2023 attack took 251 hostages and resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, resulted in the deaths of at least 48,000 Palestinians.
The ongoing conflict remains at a boiling point, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of not living up to the terms of the fragile ceasefire deal. The next few days could prove critical in determining whether the situation escalates further or whether both parties will find a way to adhere to their agreements and move toward a resolution.
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