Hamas announced on February 10 that it would postpone plans to release hostages this weekend until further notice due to Israel's violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Spokesman Hudhaifa Kahlout of the military wing of the Hamas force Al-Qassam Brigades 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, according to The Times of Israel .
Palestinians gather as Hamas gunmen escort a convoy carrying three Israeli hostages released in a prisoner swap on February 8.
Mr Kahlout, also known by his alias Abu Obeida, accused Israel of delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza and opening fire on them, while also blocking humanitarian aid shipments to the Gaza Strip.
These actions are considered violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place for the past three weeks. Hamas demands that Israel compensate for the above violations, otherwise Hamas will not release the hostages until further notice.
Shortly afterwards, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Hamas' delay in releasing the hostages was a clear violation of the agreement. "I have instructed the army to be on the highest alert for any potential developments in Gaza and to protect the communities on the border. We will not return to the reality of October 7 (2023)," Katz said, referring to the day Hamas attacked Israeli territory.
Under the phase one agreement, which will last for 42 days starting on January 19, Hamas will gradually return 33 of the 96 Israeli hostages it is holding. AFP on February 9 quoted Basem Naim, a Hamas official, warning that the ceasefire agreement was in "danger" and could collapse. According to The Times of Israel , 17 Israeli hostages must be released under the phase one ceasefire agreement.
Regarding the ceasefire agreement, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on February 10 that he was happy that the hostages were returned but still opposed continuing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Mr. Smotrich represents a hard-line party that is a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition.
Instead of continuing the deal, Mr. Smotrich said, Israel should take “revenge” on Hamas, block all humanitarian aid and permanently occupy Gaza. He encouraged Palestinians to emigrate from the Gaza Strip under a 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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