Hamas has threatened to delay any further hostage-prisoner exchanges, demanding that Israel fulfill its obligations under the fragile Gaza ceasefire. The militant group accused Israel of violating the ceasefire after the deaths of three Gazans on Sunday. While Hamas indicated that the door remains open for the exchanges to proceed as planned, it called on mediators to pressure Israel into compliance.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, had largely halted over 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip and saw Israeli hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas warned that the next scheduled exchange, planned for February 15, 2025, would be postponed until further notice.
The group’s spokesman, Abu Ubaida, emphasized that the exchanges are contingent on Israel’s fulfillment of its commitments under the truce. Talks in Qatar are set to discuss the truce’s first phase and potential future phases, though Israel has refused to send negotiators for the next round of discussions.
Israeli officials have condemned Hamas’s actions, with Defence Minister Israel Katz calling the announcement a “complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has raised its alert level in preparation for any scenario in Gaza.
Tensions have been further exacerbated by controversial proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump, including plans to take control of Gaza and resettle its two million inhabitants. While Trump suggested that Palestinians would not have the right to return, his remarks have evoked strong reactions, particularly from Palestinians, who view such proposals as reminiscent of the 1948 mass displacement.
Despite these tensions, the UN has expressed concern over the ill-treatment of hostages and detainees, with reports of severe malnutrition and abuse among those released. The international community continues to call for humane treatment for all those in custody.
