Hamas has announced that it will delay the next hostage release, which was set for the weekend, after accusing Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement on Monday.
Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, stated that the exchanges would remain on hold until Israel provides appropriate compensation for allegedly breaching the terms of the cease-fire deal that was intended to free 33 hostages in its initial phase.
“Hostages who were scheduled to be released next Saturday … will be postponed until further notice, and until the occupation commits to and compensates for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively,” Obeida posted on X.
Hamas’ official media claimed on Monday that Israel had refused to allow shelter supplies into Gaza, a key provision in the cease-fire agreement designed to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
While aid has been steadily flowing into Gaza since the cease-fire began last month, Hamas officials and humanitarian organizations argue that insufficient assistance has reached northern Gaza, the area hardest hit by destruction and where Hamas remains heavily entrenched.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz condemned Hamas’ announcement as a “blatant violation of the cease-fire,” as reported by the Times of Israel.
“I instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the [border] communities,” Katz said, signaling readiness for a potential return to conflict.
This development raises serious concerns about the future of the cease-fire agreement, which aims to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and establish a foundation for lasting peace in the region.
So far, Hamas has released 21 hostages, including Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli, who was abducted with his wife, Aviva, during the Hamas raid on their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. Aviva was freed in November 2023.
The first phase of the cease-fire deal stipulates that 12 more hostages will be freed within the next three weeks.
Currently, 76 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 30 of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli officials.
Tensions over the fragile cease-fire flared on Saturday when three Israeli hostages released by Hamas appeared to be severely emaciated and in worse condition than previous captives.
Their poor condition led to condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and President Trump, who expressed that the US was “losing our patience” with Hamas.
In response to Hamas’ announcement, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated that they are reaching out to mediators in an effort to preserve the cease-fire agreement.
“We stand with the Israeli government and encourage maintaining the conditions that will ensure the successful continuation of the agreement, leading to the safe return of our 76 brothers and sisters,” the forum said in a statement.
“Time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation.”
{Matzav.com}
Just cut off all food, water,fuel,medicine,internet and media outlets. Level every standing building so there is no future. The gazan civilians will loot and riot against hamas. It’s that simple.
buying time to ‘fatten’ them up after last outrage. pashut
Probably the remaing hostages to be released are in such bad shape, and after the reaction from the release of the past Shabbos, Hamas has to look for an excuse to pospone or cancel forward releases
Time for Trump to fulfill his end of the end of the deal. Arabs only understand power. Shoot & then ask questions – Trump’s policy. This works magic on these Pere-Adams.