Hamas stops hostage release – is the ceasefire on the brink?

Hamas stops hostage release – is the ceasefire on the brink?

The tense situation in the Gaza Strip has escalated again. The Islamist Hamas announced on Monday that it would indefinitely suspend the release of several Israeli hostages planned for this Saturday. This was done under the pretext that Israel was not respecting the ceasefire agreements in force since January 19th. This decision comes at a critical moment for the already fragile ceasefire being brokered by Egypt and Qatar. How Krone.at Reportedly, there were already significant tensions as Israeli authorities delayed the return of displaced people to the northeastern Gaza Strip and blocked aid shipments.

In response to Hamas' announcement, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz put the army on high alert. Loud t-online.de Katz instructed the military units to be ready for any developments, while the Israeli government spokesman rejected Hamas' allegations. “We have always adhered to the agreements,” said the spokesman, while Hamas claims to have respected all agreements. While Hamas' alleged ceasefire violations are negative, Israel counters the allegations with its own allegations of geographical and military disputes.

The role of intermediaries and questionable intentions

Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are concerned about the developments and argue that Israel must abide by the agreements to avoid further escalation. An Egyptian official said talks on continuing the agreed phases of the ceasefire must begin immediately. This second phase was supposed to start last week and should have led to the release of more hostages. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stressed that the postponement was a "warning to the occupation" and a means to pressure Israel to comply with the agreements. At least five hostage releases have been carried out under the current ceasefire, but the remaining hostages remain in mortal danger, as the situation made clear in the days leading up to the planned release.