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Hamas Delays Release of Israeli Hostages, Prompting Concerns Over Cease-Fire Stability
On Monday, a spokesperson for Hamas announced that the scheduled release of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip, originally set for this weekend, has been postponed indefinitely. This decision comes amid accusations from Hamas that the Israeli government has breached a fragile cease-fire agreement.
This development poses a significant risk to the continuity of a six-week truce established last month and jeopardizes any efforts toward reaching a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened with his senior advisors on Monday night and is expected to expedite a planned meeting with his security cabinet to Tuesday morning, as confirmed by a senior official.
In a dramatic escalation, former President Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas on Monday night, stating that if all Israeli hostages are not freed by noon on Saturday, the cease-fire with Israel would be voided, warning that there would be severe consequences. Trump declared, “Israel can override it, but as for me, if they’re not released by noon on Saturday, all hell is going to break out.” He made these remarks while signing executive orders at the White House in front of reporters.
When questioned about the implications for Israeli retaliation, Trump replied, “You’ll see what happens. Hamas will learn what I mean.” He did not rule out potential U.S. involvement after the Saturday deadline, simply responding, “We’ll see what transpires.”
Both Hamas and the Israeli government have accused each other of failing to adhere to various components of the cease-fire agreement. Nonetheless, the two parties have continued to release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners weekly, albeit amidst rising tensions.
Hamas Postpones Release of Israeli Hostages Amid Tensions
Hamas has announced the indefinite postponement of the release of Israeli hostages, originally scheduled for this weekend, citing violations of a fragile cease-fire agreement by Israel. This decision threatens to destabilize the six-week truce and jeopardize prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held urgent consultations with top advisers, while former President Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas. He warned that if all Israeli hostages are not released by Saturday at noon, the cease-fire with Israel would be invalidated, leading to severe consequences for Hamas.
Both sides have exchanged accusations regarding breaches of the cease-fire, despite ongoing weekly releases of hostages and prisoners. The situation remains tense as the deadline looms, and all eyes are on potential escalations in the already volatile region.
Stay updated for the latest developments on this critical situation.
