CNN
 — 

Hamas has confirmed that it will proceed with the release of Israeli hostages as originally intended, following what they described as “productive” discussions with mediators, despite recent tensions with Israel regarding the Gaza ceasefire arrangement.

The militant organization had delayed the release of additional hostages over the weekend, claiming that Israel breached the delicate ceasefire. In retaliation, Israel issued a warning that it would resume military operations.

After engaging with crucial mediators from Egypt and Qatar, Hamas announced that the planned releases would take place, which will involve exchanges of Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.

According to a statement from Hamas, “We reaffirm our commitment to honor the agreement as signed, including the exchange of prisoners at the designated times.”

The statement also highlighted that “The discussions were conducted in a constructive atmosphere,” with Egyptian and Qatari representatives promising to assist in overcoming barriers and bridging gaps.

So far, there has been no response from Israel regarding Hamas’ announcement.

Whether Hamas’ declaration will effectively resolve the ongoing tension with Israel remains uncertain. The conflict has jeopardized the first significant break in combat in over a year, and the next steps regarding the ceasefire are still to be clarified.

US President Donald Trump has proposed abandoning the multi-phase strategy of the agreement and instead urged Hamas to release all hostages in a single act.

Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed support for Trump’s call but has not formally committed to it. Instead, he issued a vague directive, stating that Hamas must “return our hostages by Saturday noon”—though without specifying a number—or face a resumption of military action until Hamas is fully subdued.

To date, 16 of the 33 Israeli hostages who were expected to be released in this phase of the agreement have been set free by Hamas. Concurrently, Israel has released 656 Palestinian prisoners from a pool of nearly 2,000.

In a statement made on Thursday, Hamas noted that mediators have committed to continuing to investigate their requests for Israel to permit the delivery of essential supplies, including building materials, medical aid, fuel, and humanitarian assistance. The group also mentioned that mediators reaffirmed their efforts to eliminate hurdles to reinstating the ceasefire agreement.