Rekindled tension after Hamas says it’s suspending release of Israeli hostages

Fresh tension has been reignited after Hamas says it is delaying the release of Israeli hostages until further notice

The terrorist group blamed Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement by delaying the return of displaced people and blocking aid and supplies from reaching the Gaza Strip.

“Violations include delaying the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza, targeting them with shelling and gunfire in various areas of the Strip, and failing to allow the entry of humanitarian aid in all its agreed-upon forms,” Hamas said.

Israel calls the decision a “complete violation” of the ceasefire deal, which began last month.

“During the past three weeks, the resistance leadership has monitored the enemy’s violations and failure to abide by the terms of the agreement, including delaying the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, and targeting them with shelling and gunfire,” said Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Hamas Qassam Brigades.

“The handover of the Zionist prisoners who were scheduled to be released next Saturday, February 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, and until the occupation commits to and compensates for the past weeks retroactively…We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them,” Obieda added.

In response a statement from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that: ”Hamas’ announcement to stop releasing Israeli hostages is a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages. I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7.”

In total, 17 Israeli hostages were still due to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire, eight of whom Israel says are dead.

The next release was due on Saturday.

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have been freed by Israel in exchange for the hostages released so far.