In response, Israel denounced Hamas’ decision as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire and instructed its military to prepare for any developments in Gaza.
Meanwhile, U. S. President Donald Trump weighed in, urging Israel to abandon the ceasefire if all remaining hostages are not released by Saturday. Trump’s demand exceeds the existing deal between Israel and Hamas, further complicating the delicate
In a statement on social media, Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, explained that the postponement would remain in effect until Israel met its obligations. He accused Israel of failing to honor key elements of the agreement over the past weeks, including restrictions on displaced civilians returning to northern Gaza, attacks on those attempting to return, and inadequate humanitarian aid deliveries.
Hamas also cited Israel’s refusal to permit the entry of essential supplies such as medical aid, fuel, and temporary shelters. A diplomat involved in the negotiations told CNN that multiple countries, including Qatar and the United Nations, had sought approval to send temporary housing to Gaza, but Israel allegedly rejected the request.
Following Hamas’ announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the military to heighten its alert level, emphasizing the possibility of renewed hostilities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an increase in troop readiness in southern Israel and temporarily suspended leave for combat soldiers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held urgent security consultations, moving up a scheduled political-security cabinet meeting to address the situation.
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump warned that if Hamas did not release all hostages by noon on Saturday, he would support canceling the ceasefire, declaring that “all bets are off” and that “hell will break out. ” When pressed for specifics on what that might entail, Trump declined to elaborate, stating, “They’ll find out—Hamas will find out. ”
Trump also cast doubt on how many hostages remained alive, fueling concerns about their conditions. His remarks align with his recent controversial statements on Gaza, including proposals to relocate Palestinians and repurpose the enclave for redevelopment—suggestions that have been widely condemned by international legal experts.
The delay in hostage releases has intensified public pressure within Israel. Recent images of severely malnourished former captives have heightened urgency regarding those still held in Gaza. Demonstrations erupted in Tel Aviv on Monday, with protesters accusing Netanyahu’s government of jeopardizing the hostage deal.
The ongoing ceasefire agreement has faced multiple setbacks, with both sides accusing each other of breaches. Previous disputes were resolved through mediation, but this latest development raises concerns over whether the truce can hold.
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum called for immediate intervention from mediating nations, emphasizing the need for continued negotiations to ensure the safe return of captives.
On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages, bringing the total freed under the agreement to 16. In exchange, Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 serving life sentences. According to Israeli officials, eight of the originally designated 33 hostages for release have been confirmed dead.
Despite these exchanges, an estimated 73 hostages taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, along with three others captured in 2014.
The next steps remain uncertain, as the Israeli government weighs its response to Hamas’ decision. Whether negotiations can salvage the agreement or if military action will resume is yet to be seen.