Hamas has postponed the release of hostages that was scheduled for Saturday, accusing Israel of breaching the terms of a ceasefire agreement. This agreement, signed in Qatar last month, aimed to facilitate the release of 33 Israeli hostages in phases. So far, 16 hostages have been freed by Hamas under the first phase of the agreement. However, the Israeli government asserts that eight of these hostages are deceased.
Hamas and its allies currently hold 73 individuals who were taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, from an initial total of 251. In return for the hostages' release, Israel has freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 individuals serving life sentences. Israeli officials allege that Hamas has violated the ceasefire agreement and have instructed their military to brace for any potential scenarios in Gaza.
“Complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages.” – Israel Katz
The postponement of the next hostage release, originally scheduled to occur in Gaza on Saturday, has been announced "until further notice." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is presently engaged in consultations with his security leadership team to address this crisis. The majority of the hostages had been held in Gaza since October 7, with no formal charges brought against them. Additionally, three other hostages captured in 2014 remain detained in Gaza.
The Israeli government has labeled the delay as a "complete violation of the ceasefire" and has urged military preparedness for any developments in Gaza. Public demonstrations have erupted in Tel Aviv, with protesters demanding the release of the hostages and alleging that Prime Minister Netanyahu is undermining the deal.
“The Israeli government just torpedoed the deal. The prime minister just torpedoed the deal, and the hostages are not expected to return on Shabbat. We cannot accept this.” – Danny Elgarat
A meeting of the political-security cabinet, initially slated for Tuesday, has been rescheduled to take place earlier due to Hamas' announcement. This move underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation as tensions escalate.
“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.” – Hostage and Missing Families Forum
“Recent evidence from those released, as well as the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, leaves no room for doubt.” – Hostage and Missing Families Forum
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida cited several reasons for delaying the release, including accusations against Israel for "delaying the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, targeting them with shelling and gunfire in various areas of the Strip, and not allowing the entry of relief supplies in all their forms according to what was agreed upon."
“We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them.” – Abu Obeida
“Time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation.” – Hostage and Missing Families Forum
