Gaza: Hamas has announced it will release Israeli hostages as planned after holding positive discussions with mediators Egypt and Qatar. The decision follows a dispute with Israel over the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which had caused Hamas to delay the release.
Dispute Over the Ceasefire Agreement
Hamas had accused Israel of violating the fragile ceasefire, leading to a temporary halt in hostage releases. In response, Israel warned it would resume military action if Hamas failed to comply with the agreement.
However, after intervention by Egypt and Qatar, Hamas confirmed it would proceed with the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners as per the original deal. The group stated that mediators pledged to remove obstacles and ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
Israel’s Response and Uncertainty
Israel has not officially responded to Hamas’ latest statement. It remains uncertain whether this announcement will fully resolve the dispute or if further negotiations will be required.
The ceasefire deal had provided a temporary pause in fighting, but the next phase of the agreement remains unclear. The uncertainty has raised concerns that hostilities could resume if either side fails to meet their commitments.
Trump’s Alternative Approach
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested a more aggressive approach, calling for an ultimatum that demands Hamas release all hostages at once rather than following the current multi-stage agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s stance but did not commit to it. Instead, he issued a deadline for Hamas to return the hostages by Saturday noon or risk the Israeli military resuming intense operations.
Hostage Exchange Progress So Far
As part of the ceasefire deal:
- 16 out of 33 Israeli hostages scheduled for release in this phase have been freed.
- 656 Palestinian prisoners from a list of nearly 2,000 have been released by Israel.
Hamas also reiterated demands for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, including housing supplies, medical equipment, fuel, and relief aid. Mediators have reportedly pledged to address these concerns.
What Happens Next?
While Hamas’ announcement is a positive development, it remains to be seen if both sides will fully uphold the ceasefire deal. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the hostage releases continue smoothly or if tensions will escalate once again.
