Rabat – Hamas has announced its decision to delay the release of Israeli hostages originally planned as part of the first phase of the ceasefire “until further notice,” citing Israel’s violations of the truce terms.
Military spokesperson for Hamas Abu Obeida released a statement yesterday saying that among its offenses, Israel delayed the return of displaced Gazans to the north, continues to target and kill Gazans on various instances, and has obstructed and delayed the entry of shelter equipment, medicines, and other forms of vital aid.
“The postponement of the release of prisoners is a warning message to the occupation, and to pressure towards strict adherence to the terms of the agreement,” the Palestinian group said.
“Over the past three weeks, the resistance leadership monitored the enemy’s violations and their non-compliance with the terms of the agreement,” Hamas added, expressing commitment to the terms of the ceasefire “as long as the occupation adheres to them.”
Gaza’s health ministry reported 11 deaths in the enclave during the last 24 hours, including three that were recently murdered and eight bodies recovered.
Hamas’s statement comes as Israel has expressed support for US President Trump’s outrageous plan to “take over” Gaza, along with bombastic remarks about forcibly displacing Gazans to Jordan and Egypt. His proposal has garnered widespread international condemnation, with many accusing him of threatening ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.
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In response to Hamas’ decision, Israel condemned what it described as a “violation” of the ceasefire agreement and said it is putting its military “on alert.”
Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz said that he has “instructed [the military] to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza.”
This development has raised concerns that the already fragile ceasefire will not hold, putting thousands of Palestinians in a state of uncertainty and peril.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on both Israel and Hamas to “fully abide”’ by the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
A crowd of Israeli protestors gathered outside of Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem today demanding the release of all captives held by Hamas. The Israeli prime minister is at domestic political standstill, with the war mongering far-right demanding to continue attacks on Gaza, while Israeli citizens accuse the government of intentionally delaying the hostage return.
