Hamas announced on Monday that it would suspend the release of Israeli hostages indefinitely, citing what it described as Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. According to a statement from Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida, Israel’s actions, including delays in the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, continued military shelling, and the blockage of humanitarian aid, have led the group to halt the release process.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has accused Israel of failing to adhere to the terms, despite the mostly maintained truce over the past three weeks. Although humanitarian aid has increased in Gaza, incidents of Israeli gunfire have resulted in Palestinian casualties. Ubaida emphasized that Hamas would not proceed with any further hostage releases until Israel “complies and compensates for the past weeks,” including a planned exchange set for Saturday.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant swiftly condemned Hamas’ decision, labeling it a violation of the ceasefire. He added that the Israeli military would remain on high alert in Gaza. The move by Hamas marked the first significant challenge to the fragile ceasefire and came at a sensitive time for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces mounting pressure to secure the return of hostages.
In a separate development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that he would end the practice of paying stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of attacking Israel. This decision is seen as an effort to improve relations with the new US administration, which had criticized the controversial “martyrs fund” for rewarding violence against Israel.
The Hostages and Missing Family Forum, a group that represents the families of hostages, called on mediating countries to restore the previous deal. The Forum highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that recent testimonies from released hostages and the appalling conditions of those freed last Saturday leave no doubt about the need for immediate action to rescue all hostages from their horrific situation.
