Hamas suspends hostage release, says Israel is not following ceasefire agreement

Hamas said on Monday it was suspending this weekend’s hostage release in the Gaza Strip, blaming Israel for not following the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, cited observing violations of the agreement over the past three weeks, including delaying the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, not allowing relief supplies to enter, and shelling and gunfire in various areas of the strip.

As a result, the handover of prisoners scheduled for Saturday “will be postponed until further notice” and until Israel “commits to and compensates for the past weeks retroactively,” Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said via social media.

The Al-Qassam Brigades said that it has stuck to its obligations in the ceasefire agreement and remains committed to doing so, as long as Israel does as well.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz called Hamas’ announcement to stop releasing Israeli hostages “a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement.

“I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said it has requested assistance from mediating countries “to help restore and implement the existing deal effectively.”

“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 group said.