Hamas postpones hostage release, demands assistance for northern Gaza

Hamas’ armed faction has announced a postponement of the planned second round of hostage releases scheduled for Saturday, citing the need for Israel to allow aid trucks into northern Gaza as a condition.

The al-Qassam Brigades emphasized that the hostage releases were contingent upon Israel adhering to the agreed terms for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

No immediate response from Israel followed the statement. However, an Israeli military spokesperson had previously informed France’s BFM television station that, barring any sudden changes, 13 Israeli hostages were anticipated to be freed, with 39 Palestinian prisoners set for release in return.

The truce, brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas, stipulates the exchange of a total of 50 hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners, some convicted on weapon charges and violent offenses, spanning a four-day period.

In the initial exchange on Friday, 13 Israeli women and children out of the approximately 240 hostages taken by Hamas fighters on October 7 in southern Israel were released.

Concurrently, 24 incarcerated Palestinian women and 15 teenagers were liberated from Israeli jails.

The setback on Saturday unfolded shortly after Egypt, overseeing the Rafah border crossing enabling essential aid supplies to enter southern Gaza, expressed optimism about a potential extension of the deal.

Diaa Rashwan, head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), revealed ongoing extensive negotiations involving all concerned parties aimed at securing an agreement for additional releases of detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

Israel has indicated the possibility of extending the ceasefire if Hamas sustains a release rate of at least 10 hostages per day.

Conversely, a Palestinian source hinted at the potential freedom of up to 100 hostages. Both Israel and Hamas underscored their intent to resume hostilities once the truce expires, although US President Joe Biden conveyed hope for extending the ceasefire during discussions on Friday.

Scroll to Top