Hamas Halts Hostage Releases, Accuses Israel of Ceasefire Violations

The Palestinian group Hamas announced on Monday that it will suspend hostage releases until further notice, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Hamas Accusations and Israel’s Response

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida claimed that Israel had:
🔴 Blocked displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza
🔴 Targeted civilians with military shelling and gunfire
🔴 Obstructed humanitarian aid from entering the enclave

Abu Obaida announce that Hamas would not release any more Israeli hostages.

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and directed the military to maintain high-level readiness in Gaza while ensuring the defense of Israeli communities.

Ceasefire Tensions and Hostage Exchange

The ceasefire, in place since January 19, has mostly held, but sporadic clashes and Israeli gunfire have resulted in Palestinian casualties.

As part of the initial 42-day ceasefire deal, Hamas has released 16 of the 33 hostages initially agreed upon, along with five Thai hostages in an unscheduled release. In return, Israel has freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences and detainees held without charge.

An exchange scheduled for Saturday is now in doubt, further straining ceasefire negotiations.

Qatar Talks and Rising Mistrust

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that an Israeli delegation returned from ceasefire talks in Qatar, where mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, were working on terms for the next phase of the truce. However, progress has stalled due to deep-seated mistrust between both sides, with each accusing the other of violating terms.

A Palestinian official involved in the discussions noted that Hamas is frustrated with Israel’s lack of implementation of humanitarian aid provisions and delays in allowing relief materials into Gaza.