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Hamas announces the release of 3 additional hostages as scheduled, facilitating efforts to address ceasefire conflict.

CAIRO — On Thursday, Hamas announced its intention to proceed with the release of three additional Israeli hostages, a development that may help mitigate ongoing tensions surrounding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The organization had previously suggested that it might postpone the release, claiming that Israel had not honored its responsibilities to permit the entry of tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement. In response, Israel, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, issued warnings of a potential renewal of military action should the hostages not be freed.

Although no immediate response from Israel was forthcoming regarding Hamas’ latest announcement, it seems likely to allow the ceasefire to remain intact for the time being. However, the ongoing viability of the truce continues to be uncertain.

Hamas reported that its representatives engaged in discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo and are also in communication with Qatar’s prime minister. Their main focus is to secure the delivery of additional shelters, medical supplies, fuel, and heavy machinery for debris removal, which have been central to their negotiations recently. In an official statement, Hamas indicated that the mediators had committed to eliminating any existing barriers.

Following this announcement, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou confirmed via phone that the three hostages would be freed on Saturday.

According to Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV, which has connections to its security services, both Egypt and Qatar have successfully addressed the dispute, leveraging their roles as mediators with Hamas to help establish the ceasefire that commenced in January, following over 15 months of conflict.

Furthermore, Egyptian media broadcasts showcased trucks transporting temporary housing and bulldozers stationed at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing into Gaza. Reports indicated that these trucks were on their way to an Israeli inspection zone before proceeding into Gaza.

The truce does, however, face a significant test in the upcoming weeks. The current phase is anticipated to conclude at the beginning of March, with substantive discussions yet to commence over the subsequent phase—wherein Hamas would release a larger number of remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the hostilities.

Trump’s controversial proposal to resettle around 2 million Palestinians from Gaza to other nations has further complicated the ceasefire’s future. While the plan is welcomed by Israel, it has been firmly rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations, which refuse to accept an influx of refugees. Human rights advocates caution that such actions may violate international law, possibly constituting a war crime.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners are already pushing for a return to military action after the current ceasefire phase, with aspirations to implement Trump’s plan and dismantle Hamas, who continues to hold power in Gaza after enduring one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history.

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants infiltrated Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, most of whom were civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals. While over half have been released through negotiations with Hamas or other agreements, eight have been rescued, and several bodies recovered.

The remaining captives serve as what little leverage Hamas has left, and it may prove challenging for the group to commit to further releases if it believes that hostilities may resume.

Trump has expressed mixed messages regarding his expectations for Gaza. He has credited himself with facilitating the ceasefire, which was established just prior to his inauguration following extensive negotiations during the Biden administration. Yet he has also voiced his uncertainties about the agreement’s implementation and stated that the decision to resume hostilities lies with Israel, while reaffirming continued U.S. military support.

Seventy-three hostages remain unfreed, approximately half of whom are thought to be deceased. The vast majority of these individuals are men, including Israeli soldiers.

The conflict has claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, according to figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not disclose the number of combatants among them. Conversely, Israel claims it has killed over 17,000 militants, but has not provided verifiable evidence.

The military campaign has devastated large areas of Gaza. At the peak of the fighting, 90% of the 2.3 million residents were forced from their homes. Since the ceasefire was enacted, hundreds of thousands have attempted to return, only to find ruins and signs of destruction, including bodies buried beneath rubble and unexploded ordnance.

If a ‘new war’ were to occur, it may prove to be significantly more destructive.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed Trump’s sentiments earlier this week, warning of severe consequences if Hamas ceases to release hostages. He mentioned that any new offensive in Gaza would continue until Hamas’ defeat is secured, potentially paving the way for Trump’s plan involving mass displacement.

With fewer hostages remaining, Israel’s military may feel empowered to act more freely.

Additionally, Israel could encounter fewer constraints from the United States, its major military ally. While the Biden administration has offered essential support, they have occasionally urged Israel to permit greater humanitarian aid and clashed over the potential for irreversible displacement of Gaza’s Palestinian population.

In contrast, Trump has removed restrictions on arms shipments and is moving forward with the sale of $7 billion worth of military equipment that was approved during Biden’s presidency.

Trump has suggested that the population of Gaza should be relocated to other parts of the region, proposing that wealthy Arab nations finance this initiative. He has also indicated that once the conflict concludes, Israel would hand over control of Gaza to the U.S., which would subsequently redevelop it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a crucial figure in Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, has called for a restart of military conflict, advocating for the “voluntary migration” of substantial numbers of Palestinians from Gaza and the reestablishment of Jewish settlements in the area.

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