Hamas suspends hostage releases, Trump threatens to end ceasefire agreement

Hamas has announced that it is halting the next phase of hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. 

On Saturday, three hostages held in Gaza were supposed to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But now, Hamas says that process will be delayed.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has strongly condemned Hamas’ move, calling it a “complete violation of the ceasefire agreement.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the ceasefire deal should be canceled if “all” hostages aren’t returned by Saturday.

Trump added, “I would say they should be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday... everyone... not just a few... not two, one, or three or four.”

Trump also warned of severe consequences if the hostages aren’t freed. 

When asked if he was implying that Israel might retaliate, he responded, “You’ll see, they’ll see. Hamas will see what I mean.”

The announcement from Hamas came right before a public gathering in Tel Aviv to celebrate the 24th birthday of Alon Ohiel, an Israeli hostage who was taken from the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023.

Mia Goldstein, who attended the gathering, spoke with BBC, calling for more pressure to ensure the remaining hostages are released. 

She described Hamas’ delay as “horrifying.”

The United Nations’ spokesperson, Farhan Haq, also weighed in on the situation. 

He stated that any delays in the ceasefire would be problematic and urged all sides to honor their agreements and deadlines.

According to AFP, Hamas has stated that it is still open to exchanging more hostages, but only if Israel keeps its promises.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida accused Israel of delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, shooting at civilians, and failing to approve humanitarian aid.

While Hamas didn’t directly address President Trump or U.S. policies, their statement came after strong comments from Trump regarding Gaza’s future. 

Trump had previously suggested moving Gaza’s residents outside of Palestine and praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “revolutionary and creative.”

Hamas’ announcement adds to the ongoing tension between the two sides. 

Israel has accused Hamas of failing to release a female hostage and of delaying the return of displaced people to northern Gaza for two days. 

In retaliation, Israel stopped a bus carrying Palestinian prisoners to the West Bank, citing frustration with how Hamas is handling the hostage situation.

Hamas missed the deadline to announce the names of the hostages scheduled for release on Saturday. 

This was a required step under the ceasefire agreement.

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages have been released. 

In exchange, Israel has freed 566 Palestinian prisoners.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are set to be exchanged over three weeks. 

Israel revealed that eight of the 33 hostages are now deceased.

Hamas initially took 251 hostages during the October 2023 attacks on Israel, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths. 

In retaliation, Israel launched a large military operation, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, led to 48,000 Palestinian deaths.

This update on the ongoing ceasefire and hostage exchange talks reflects the continuing complexities and challenges in the region. 

The situation remains fluid, with both sides trading accusations while the lives of many innocent people remain at risk.