Hamas has confirmed that it will proceed with the release of three Israeli hostages as initially planned, ensuring that the ceasefire in Gaza will hold, at least for now. The announcement came after Hamas had previously threatened to delay the next phase of hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the truce.
The militant group had raised concerns about Israel’s failure to fulfill its obligations, particularly regarding the delivery of vital supplies such as tents, shelters, and other necessities. These issues had sparked tensions between the two sides, but Hamas’s decision to move forward with the release of hostages has cleared the path for the truce to continue.
On Thursday, a Hamas spokesperson confirmed that three hostages would be freed on Saturday, a move that should preserve the fragile peace. The announcement followed diplomatic efforts in Cairo, where Hamas held discussions with Egyptian officials and also communicated with Qatar’s prime minister about bringing more supplies into Gaza, including medical aid, fuel, and equipment to clear debris.
These supplies had become a key demand from Hamas in recent days, and the group’s spokesperson stated that the mediators, Egypt and Qatar, had pledged to remove all obstacles to the delivery of these goods. Shortly after the announcement, footage emerged showing trucks carrying temporary housing and bulldozers on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, heading toward Gaza.
However, despite this positive development, tensions remain high. On Thursday, Israel reported that a rocket was launched from Gaza, marking the first such incident since the ceasefire took effect in January. The Israeli military quickly responded, striking the rocket launcher, but the violation has raised doubts about the long-term durability of the truce.
The ceasefire, which has held since January, has provided some relief in Gaza, where the Israeli military has faced accusations of causing significant casualties. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the Israeli military has killed at least 92 Palestinians and wounded over 800 since the truce began. The Israeli military has stated that its forces have fired on individuals who approach their positions or violate the truce.
As the ceasefire faces new challenges, attention is turning to the upcoming phase of negotiations. Negotiators have made little progress on the terms for the second phase of the truce, which would involve releasing dozens more hostages in exchange for a longer-term cessation of hostilities, as the first phase is set to conclude at the beginning of March.
US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other countries has further complicated the uncertain future of the truce. While Israel’s government has supported the plan, Palestinians and many Arab nations have firmly rejected it. Critics, including human rights groups, argue that the proposal could violate international law. Trump’s proposal has also faced harsh criticism from both US allies and adversaries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the plan, calling it a threat to global peace, while Yemen’s Houthi leader threatened military intervention if it proceeds.
The ongoing situation in Gaza remains dire, with mounting civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The war, which began in October 2023, has claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Israel has reported the deaths of more than 17,000 militants, though it has not provided evidence to support this claim.
The conflict has left Gaza in ruins, displacing most of its population. While some people have returned to their homes since the ceasefire took effect, they face the destruction of their communities, including rubble, buried bodies, and unexploded ordnance.
As the international community watches closely, it remains uncertain whether the fragile ceasefire will hold or if further violence will erupt in the coming weeks.
