JERUSALEM — Hamas announced on Monday that it would postpone the release of additional hostages in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s alleged violations of a delicate ceasefire that has now encountered significant difficulties after three weeks. Hamas’s decision comes as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to facilitate the return of hostages following the harrowing return of three Israelis on Saturday, who appeared severely malnourished after spending 16 months in captivity. The Israeli military responded by canceling leaves for soldiers deployed in Gaza, highlighting the fragile state of the truce.
According to Hamas, the timing of future hostage releases hinges on Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. The announcement coincides with growing unrest among Palestinians and the international community following President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that Palestinians from Gaza would have no right to return as part of his proposal to take control of the war-torn region.
In a bid to mend relations with the Trump administration, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the elimination of a contentious system that provided financial support to families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of violent acts against Israel. The U.S. and Israel have criticized the so-called “martyrs fund” as a mechanism that incentivizes violence.
As part of an ongoing six-week ceasefire, Hamas has pledged to release 33 hostages, captured during its attack on October 7, 2023, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. So far, five exchanges have taken place since the ceasefire’s initial phase began on January 19, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and approximately 730 Palestinian prisoners. The next exchange, initially scheduled for Saturday, was set to involve three additional Israeli hostages being released in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
If a resolution is not reached regarding the subsequently complex phase of the ceasefire, which includes the return of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce, hostilities may resume as early as March.
Following Hamas’s declaration, an Israeli official disclosed that Netanyahu was consulting with security experts and had expedited a meeting with his Security Cabinet. The military further confirmed that in addition to soldiers’ leave cancellations in Gaza, it would enhance defensive forces along the Gaza border.
Netanyahu has been given permission to postpone his testimony in an ongoing corruption trial, citing the pressing security issues at hand. Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized Hamas’s decision to delay the hostage release as a “complete violation” of the ceasefire terms, instructing military forces to maintain an elevated state of alert while assuring that the Israeli government intends to uphold its commitments under the agreement.
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated on social media that Israel has hindered essential aspects of the ceasefire by preventing Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, conducting strikes across the region, and not allowing adequate humanitarian assistance to reach those in need. The group issued a warning regarding its postponement, insisting that the opportunity for the exchange remains open, contingent on Israel fulfilling its obligations.
Families of hostages expressed their concern and urged intermediary nations to intervene to prevent the deal from collapsing. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stressed that the conditions reported by released individuals, as well as the distressing circumstances of those freed recently, underline the urgent necessity to rescue all hostages from such dire straits.
In Gaza, residents were apprehensive about the potential collapse of the ceasefire. “People are all afraid. Today, people have begun to stock up on supplies for fear that war will return again,” commented Mohammad Yusuf from Khan Younis, expressing worries about the safety of the agreement.
Trump’s remarks about Gaza were made in an interview set to air on Monday, just days after he mentioned his vision for the U.S. to assume control of Gaza and transform it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” He has increased pressure on Arab nations, particularly the U.S. allies Jordan and Egypt, to accommodate Palestinians from Gaza, who seek to claim the territory as part of a future homeland.
The ceasefire previously faced challenges when an Israeli civilian hostage was not released as scheduled, and Israel delayed the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza for two days. Negotiators eventually reached a resolution, leading to the release of the hostage, Arbel Yehoud, along with two others.
In a new move, Abbas revealed that families of prisoners would still be eligible for government support, but assistance would be based on financial needs rather than time spent in prison. The system will now transition from the Palestinian government to an independent foundation.
The Palestinian Authority’s recent changes to its payment policies came with no immediate reactions from either the U.S. or Israel. Throughout Trump’s first term, U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority was halted due to the martyr’s fund, prompting Israel to withhold substantial tax revenues from the cash-strapped authority.
A senior Palestinian official indicated that the Palestinians had informed the Trump administration of this policy shift, hoping it would lead to the repeal of the Taylor Force Act, which restricts U.S. aid, and to the resumption of Israeli tax transfers. This official requested anonymity to discuss internal matters.
In response to Abbas’s announcement, Hamas condemned the Palestinian Authority’s decision, labeling it “an unpatriotic move that violates one of our core national principles.”
