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On Monday, Hamas announced a delay in the release of Israeli hostages, which had been scheduled for this Saturday. They cited Israel’s failure to uphold parts of the intricate ceasefire agreement as the reason for the postponement.
This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing disputes that have jeopardized the delicate ceasefire brokered around three weeks ago, which put a pause on the 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
According to the agreement, structured in three phases, Hamas has been releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza in return for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Five swaps have occurred, but Hamas accuses Israel of violating other critical elements of the pact. Their grievances include delays in the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, instances of Israeli gunfire, and restrictions on humanitarian aid into the devastated enclave.
Both parties have continuously charged each other with breaking the terms over the past three weeks, leading to temporary postponements of some exchanges. However, these incidents haven’t completely derailed the ceasefire.
Hamas stated that hostage releases would remain on hold until Israel adheres to the agreement and retroactively addresses the past violations.
In response, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, condemned Hamas’s statement as a blatant breach of the ceasefire. He instructed the Israeli military to remain on high alert and to ensure the safety of communities in southern Israel.
The initial phase of the US-led agreement outlined that Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages, prioritizing children, women, and men over 50. As of Saturday, 21 had been freed in exchange for over 700 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Hamas released five Thai workers captured during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The second phase, which involves releasing all remaining hostages for hundreds more Palestinian prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a permanent cessation of hostilities, is slated to commence in March. However, the details are yet to be negotiated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing pressure from far-right supporters, affirmed last week to continue military actions until Hamas is defeated, casting uncertainty over the second phase’s likelihood.
Further complicating long-term peace prospects is US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and relocate its population of over two million. This proposition has sparked strong opposition from Palestinians, the Arab community, and the broader international audience.
In an interview with Fox News scheduled for release later on Monday, Trump suggested that the displaced Palestinians would not be entitled to return, arguing they would be provided with superior housing elsewhere—an idea at odds with earlier US official statements that resettlement would be temporary.
He described this as akin to a future real estate development, emphasizing a permanent relocation due to Gaza’s uninhabitable conditions. Trump also reiterated his intention to persuade Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees, despite their repeated rejections.
Meanwhile, other Western and Arab countries have voiced that post-conflict governance of Gaza should be handed to the Palestinian Authority, which currently has limited jurisdiction over parts of the West Bank.
Amid these discussions, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on Monday to revamp a controversial system that provided financial support to families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of lethal attacks on Israelis. The US and Israel criticized this scheme, labeling it as an incentive for violence due to its payment structure based on prison terms. The updated policy will now consider the financial needs of families when determining benefits.
