Hamas threatens to delay hostage release
Photo: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (Getty Images)
Hamas militants are threatening to delay the planned hostage release scheduled for Saturday, February 15. Israel considers this a violation of the ceasefire agreement, The Times of Israel reports.
Hamas threats
Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Hudhaifa Kahlout, known by the alias Abu Obeida, accused Israel of failing to uphold the ceasefire agreement over the past three weeks.
He claimed that Israel is allegedly delaying the return of displaced residents to northern Gaza and opening fire on them, while also obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid. As a result, Hamas demands retroactive compensation, or else the hostage release will not occur until further notice.
Israel's response
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that such threats from militants represent a "complete violation" of the ceasefire.
"I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza," he stated.
Katz added that Israel will not return to reality of October 7.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
Currently, there is currently a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. As part of the agreement, Israel is releasing Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas is freeing hostages, many of whom were captured during the attack on Israel in October 2023.
On October 7, it was reported that Hamas handed over three hostages to Israel.
Yesterday, on November 9, US President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas breaking down. He explained this by saying that the hostages released by the militants looked like they had survived the Holocaust.
