Hamas says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel

A spokesperson for the Hamas armed wing stated that the group would postpone its planned release of Israeli hostages, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. According to the agreement, three Israeli hostages held in Gaza were scheduled to be released on Saturday in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Hamas's statement "a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement." U.S. President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israel, stated that if Hamas did not release "all" the hostages by Saturday, the ceasefire agreement should be canceled. Trump emphasized that the hostages should all be released by noon on Saturday, not "piecemeal."

Trump added that if the hostages were not released, "everything will explode." When asked if he was referring to Israeli retaliation, he said, "You'll find out, and so will they. Hamas will understand what I mean." Katz stated that he had ordered the Israel Defense Forces to "prepare at the highest level of alert for any scenario that may arise in Gaza and to protect the communities."

Hamas's statement was released shortly before people gathered in Tel Aviv to commemorate the 24th birthday of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, his second birthday in captivity. Ohel was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. UN spokesman Farhan Haq stated that "any" delay to the fragile ceasefire agreement would be a problem, and all parties involved should adhere to the previously stated agreements and timelines.

According to Agence France-Presse, Hamas stated that the "door remains open" for exchanging hostages if Israel "adheres" to its obligations. Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida accused Israel of delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, opening fire on crowds, and failing to allow agreed-upon humanitarian aid to enter. Since the start of the ceasefire on January 19, 16 Israeli hostages and 5 Thai hostages have been released in exchange for 566 prisoners.

According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, Hamas kidnapped 251 hostages and killed approximately 1,200 people during its October 2023 attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has resulted in the deaths of at least 48,000 Palestinians. At the end of the first phase of the three-week ceasefire, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be released. Israel has stated that 8 of the 33 are already dead.