Hamas announced on February 10th that it would postpone its planned hostage release this weekend until further notice due to Israel's violations of the ceasefire agreement.
According to The Times of Israel, spokesman Hudhaifa Kahlout of the Al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, announced on February 10 that the exchange of hostages and prisoners scheduled for February 15 would be postponed due to Israel's violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Palestinians gathered as Hamas gunmen escorted a convoy carrying three Israeli hostages released in a prisoner exchange on February 8.
Kahlout, also known by his pseudonym Abu Obeida, accused Israel of delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza and firing on them, as well as obstructing humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza.
These actions are considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place for the past three weeks. Hamas is demanding compensation from Israel for these violations; otherwise, Hamas will not release the hostages until further notice.
Shortly afterward, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Hamas's delay in releasing hostages was a clear violation of the agreement. "I have instructed the military to be on the highest alert for any potential developments in Gaza and to protect communities on the border. We will not return to the reality of October 7th (2023)," Katz said, referring to the date of Hamas's attack on Israeli territory.
According to the 42-day Phase 1 agreement, starting on January 19, Hamas will gradually release 33 of the 96 Israeli hostages it is holding. AFP reported on February 9, quoting Basem Naim, a Hamas official, that the ceasefire agreement is in "danger" and could collapse. According to The Times of Israel , 17 Israeli hostages still need to be released under the Phase 1 ceasefire agreement.
Regarding the ceasefire agreement, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on February 10 that he was happy the hostages were released but still opposed continuing the ceasefire for a second phase. Smotrich represents a hardline party and is a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition.
Smotrich argued that instead of continuing the agreement, Israel should "retaliate" against Hamas, block all humanitarian aid, and permanently occupy Gaza. He encouraged Palestinians to evacuate the Gaza Strip according to the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoa-thuan-ngung-ban-israel-hamas-do-vo-185250211001639732.htm
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