Hamas Delays Hostage Release, Accuses Israel of Ceasefire Violations

Hamas has postponed the release of Israeli hostages, claiming Israel violated the ceasefire agreement. 

Three hostages were supposed to be freed on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but Hamas claims Israel isn't allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza or sending enough aid. 

Israel’s Defense Minister, denying the accusation, called Hamas's decision a violation of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel should cancel the ceasefire if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday. “If they’re not released, all hell is going to break out,” Trump warned.

Seventy-three hostages taken by Hamas during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and three others kidnapped a decade ago, remain in Gaza. 

The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has so far led to the release of 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners. By the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be freed, though Israel claims eight of those hostages are already dead.

Hamas’s attack in October killed about 1,200 people, and it took 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed at least 48,000 Palestinians.