JERUSALEM — On Wednesday, Israel’s defense minister issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that “all hell will break loose” if the group fails to release hostages as scheduled this weekend. This escalation in rhetoric comes as mediators work diligently to maintain a ceasefire between the two factions.
Recent tensions have arisen as Hamas accused Israel of not fulfilling certain obligations related to the ceasefire agreement. The group has specifically pointed out delays in the delivery of aid materials, including tents, prompting a potential postponement of the planned hostage release on Saturday. Mahmoud Merdawi, a Hamas official, indicated that while there are “positive signals” regarding the release of three hostages, they have yet to receive confirmation from Israel regarding compliance with the agreement.
An Egyptian mediator familiar with the discussions expressed optimism, suggesting that both parties are nearing a consensus. Speaking anonymously, the official noted that Israel has pledged to provide additional supplies, including tents and heavy equipment, for the Gaza region. Meanwhile, Israeli representatives remained silent on the matter. Israel maintains that it has upheld its end of the deal, which began on January 19 and resulted in a pause of the ongoing war in Gaza, offering relief to many Palestinians affected by the conflict.
As part of the ceasefire’s initial stage, which is set to persist for 42 days, Israel is expected to deliver significant aid while Hamas is tasked with the release of 33 hostages captured during the attacks on October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that eight of these hostages have already died, while twenty-one have been freed, along with numerous Palestinian prisoners.
The situation escalated further after Hamas threatened to delay the release of the hostages, inciting anger from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In response, Netanyahu promised to resume military action if Hamas failed to meet its commitments and has reinforced troop deployments around Gaza, where operations had been scaled back due to the ceasefire.
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed sentiments reminiscent of previous U.S. rhetoric, warning that the cessation of hostage releases would signal the end of the deal and reignite conflict. Katz emphasized his belief that a new war in Gaza would continue until Hamas was decisively defeated, facilitating long-term strategies regarding the Gaza population.
On the other hand, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem strongly dismissed what he termed the “language of threats” from Israel and the U.S., urging Israel to honor the ceasefire terms and accusing them of blocking the necessary aid deliveries.
The fragile stability of the ceasefire has also been affected by proposals from former President Trump, who suggested relocating the Palestinian population of Gaza to neighboring nations, generating considerable backlash from both Jordan and Egypt. King Abdullah II of Jordan reiterated his country’s firm rejection of such plans following a meeting with Trump at the White House.
Trump’s suggestions for a comprehensive hostage release under the current ceasefire have further inflamed tensions, leading Israel to call for more immediate releases. The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas are anticipated to address a second phase of the ceasefire, focusing on extending the truce, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and facilitating the safe return of remaining hostages.
However, progress in these discussions appears to be minimal, with Netanyahu facing pressure from political allies who are demanding a resumption of military action. Concurrently, many Israeli citizens are expressing their discontent regarding the conditions of the recently released hostages and are advocating for adherence to the existing ceasefire arrangement.
