Hamas has announced that it will release hostages in accordance with the agreed-upon timeline in its ceasefire agreement with Israel, after previously threatening to postpone hostage-prisoner swaps indefinitely. The organization stated that it will continue to implement the agreement as signed, including the exchange of prisoners as scheduled. This decision comes after positive discussions with mediator nations Qatar and Egypt regarding maintaining the ceasefire, which has been tested recently. Israeli government response to Hamas’ statement is still pending.
There were concerns that the ceasefire might collapse due to escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump and Israeli officials about displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Hamas had accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid. The organization’s decision to continue releasing hostages marks a reversal from their earlier position.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of severe consequences if Hamas did not comply with the ceasefire agreement. Most of the Israeli captives held by Hamas were abducted during a terrorist attack in 2023, and 16 of the 33 hostages have been released so far. Arab leaders are working to mediate the situation and oppose Trump’s plan to resettle Palestinians in neighboring countries. Egypt plans to host an emergency summit to address the issue and work towards a just settlement of the Palestinian cause.
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