A Hamas spokesperson stated Monday that the terrorist group will delay the subsequent deliberate launch of hostages within the Gaza Strip after accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire settlement.
“Over the past three weeks, the resistance leadership has monitored the enemy’s violations and failure to fulfill its obligations under the agreement; including the delay in allowing the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, targeting them with direct shelling and gunfire in various areas across Gaza, and denying relief supplies of all kinds to enter as agreed, while the resistance has implemented all its obligations,” Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ army wing, stated.
“Therefore, the release of the Zionist prisoners next Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, and until the occupation commits to and provides compensation for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively,” he stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement, as long as the occupation remains committed to them.”
Israel and Hamas are within the midst of a six-week ceasefire, throughout which Hamas has dedicated to releasing 33 hostages captured in its Oct. 7, 2023 assault in alternate for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
PARENTS OF AMERICAN MURDERED BY HAMAS MAKE ‘PLEA’ TO TRUMP AFTER LATEST HOSTAGE RELEASE
Israeli captives, from left to the proper, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy, who’ve been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, are escorted by Hamas fighters earlier than being handed over to the Pink Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Saturday Feb. 8, 2025. (AP Photograph/Abdel Kareem Hana)
The edges have carried out 5 swaps for the reason that ceasefire went into impact final month, releasing 21 hostages and greater than 730 Palestinian prisoners. The subsequent alternate, scheduled for subsequent Saturday, calls for 3 extra Israeli hostages to be freed in alternate for a whole lot of Palestinian prisoners.
“Hamas’ announcement to stop the release of Israeli hostages is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage release deal,” Israeli Protection Minister Israel Katz stated Monday. “I have instructed the [Israeli Defense Forces] IDF to maintain the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to fortify the defense of Israeli communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a right away safety evaluation, Israeli media reported.
Israeli captive Or Levy, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas fighters earlier than being handed over to the Pink Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (AP Photograph/Abdel Kareem Hana)
HAMAS FREES 3 MORE HOSTAGES AS PART OF CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL
The Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board, a volunteer group devoted to bringing the surviving Oct. 7 victims residence, launched an announcement.
“In response to Hamas’s recent announcement, we have urgently requested assistance from the mediating countries to help restore and implement the existing deal effectively,” the discussion board stated. “We stand with the Israeli government and encourage maintaining the conditions that will ensure the successful continuation of the agreement, leading to the safe return of our 76 brothers and sisters.”
The Rehan household of their encampment within the ruins of their residence amid widespread destruction brought on by the Israeli army’s floor and air offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photograph/Abdel Kareem Hana)
“Recent evidence from those released, as well as the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, leaves no room for doubt – time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation,” the discussion board added.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Hamas launched three gaunt, frail-looking Israeli hostages – civilians Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56 – on Saturday after forcing them to talk at a handover ceremony. Israel in flip freed 183 Palestinian prisoners that day.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump commented on the circumstances of the launched Israeli hostages, saying they “looked like Holocaust survivors” and “like they haven’t had a meal in a month.”
“I don’t know how much longer we can take that,” Trump stated, referring to the remedy of the hostages, including, “You know, at some point, we’re gonna lose our patience.”
Fox Information’ Yonat Friling and The Related Press contributed to this report.
