Hamas announced on Monday that it would suspend the release of Israeli hostages indefinitely, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire and ordered the military to maintain high alert in Gaza and protect Israeli communities.
Hamas’ military wing spokesperson, Abu Ubaida, claimed Israel had delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, targeted civilians with military actions, and restricted aid shipments since the ceasefire began on January 19. Despite some deadly incidents involving Israeli gunfire, the ceasefire has largely held, with humanitarian aid increasing, according to aid agencies.
Ubaida stated that Hamas would not release more hostages until Israel complies with the agreement and addresses past violations. Another scheduled exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners was set for Saturday.
So far, 16 out of 33 hostages in the initial phase of the deal have been released, along with five Thai hostages in an unscheduled release.
Israel has freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return, including individuals serving life sentences and others detained without charges.
Hamas has accused Israel of obstructing aid deliveries, while Israel denies the claim and has accused Hamas of manipulating the hostage release process and staging public spectacles.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that an Israeli delegation returned from ceasefire talks in Qatar, though details on the negotiations remain unclear. A Palestinian official cited mistrust between the parties as a key obstacle.
Adding to tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Palestinians should not return to Gaza postwar, suggesting the area could be redeveloped under U.S. control. Netanyahu supported Trump’s remarks, drawing criticism from Egypt, which accused Israel of delaying ceasefire progress, including troop withdrawals and reducing aerial surveillance. Talks on a second phase of the ceasefire, which would include the release of remaining hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal, have stalled.
The release of three Israeli hostages on Saturday—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—whose frail condition shocked the public, has further complicated negotiations.
