Ceasefire in jeopardy as Hamas delays next release of Israeli hostages

• Hamas has delayed the next planned hostage release, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire. Israel’s prime minister is holding an emergency security meeting, while the defense minister calls the delay a “complete violation.”

• The ceasefire agreement has so far led to the release of 21 Israeli hostages and over 700 Palestinian prisoners, with Hamas originally expected to release 33 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

• President Donald Trump criticized the treatment of released Israeli hostages, saying they “looked like Holocaust survivors,” and warned that U.S. patience is running out.

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Hamas announced that it will delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages, originally set for Saturday, Feb. 15, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire that has been in place for three weeks. The move threatens what was intended to be a six-week truce.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding an emergency security meeting. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the delayed release “a complete violation” of the agreement.

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Ceasefire agreement details

So far, the ceasefire has led to the release of 21 Israeli hostages and more than 700 Palestinian prisoners. Under the agreement, Hamas was expected to release 33 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

A Hamas spokesperson said on social media that Israel has obstructed parts of the agreement by preventing Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza and failing to facilitate humanitarian aid. The spokesperson described the delay as a “planned postponement” and a “warning signal.”

Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, accused Hamas of being in “blatant violation” of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.

“Hamas’ announcement to stop the release of Israeli hostages is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage release deal,” Katz said Monday, Feb. 10. “I have instructed the [Israeli Defense Forces] to maintain the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to fortify the defense of Israeli communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7.”

Trump comments on hostage conditions

President Donald Trump commented on the ceasefire following the latest hostage release on Saturday, Feb. 8, when three Israeli hostages were freed.

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Trump said they “looked like Holocaust survivors” and warned that U.S. patience with the situation is running out.

As of now, Trump has not commented on Hamas’ latest decision to suspend releases. Netanyahu continues to meet with security officials, while Hamas says “the door remains open.”