Ceasefire tension: Hamas accuses Israel, Netanyahu warns of war
Hamas has announced its commitment to the terms of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while accusing Israel of violating these terms, resulting in "complications or delays." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to resume hostilities if Hamas does not release additional hostages by Saturday.
The Hamas statement stressed: "The (Israeli) occupation is the party that has failed to meet its commitments, and it bears full responsibility for any delays or complications." On Monday, Hamas announced the suspension of the next round of hostage exchanges for Palestinian prisoners, which was scheduled to occur on Saturday.
The gradual release of abductees is one of the key points of the temporary ceasefire that has been in effect since January 19.
Hamas claims that the delay in exchanging hostages is a response to Israel's previous violations of other provisions of the agreement, including those related to humanitarian aid deliveries.
Netanyahu warned that if the hostages are not released by Saturday, the ceasefire will end, and "intense fighting" will resume. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously issued a similar ultimatum to Hamas.
Humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has persisted since October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 kidnappings, 73 of whom are still detained. More than 47,000 residents of the Gaza Strip have perished in the conflict, and the majority of the 2.1 million residents have become internally displaced persons.
According to earlier agreements, the first phase of the ceasefire is set to end in early March. The possibility of extending the truce remains uncertain. Israeli authorities are reluctant to agree to maintain Hamas' power in the Gaza Strip. Hamas asserts it will not release the hostages without the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The prospect of an agreement is further complicated by recent statements from Trump, who announced plans to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents. The USA is one of the mediators in negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
