02/10/2025

Hamas Says It's Delaying the Next Israeli Hostage Release

The return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip is fueling the anger

A spokesperson for the militant group Hamas said Monday that it would delay the release of the next group of Israeli hostages scheduled for this Saturday, imperiling a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas' announcement comes days after President Trump floated a plan for the U.S. to take over Gaza and relocate the enclave's Palestinian residents and four weeks into a ceasefire agreement that has seen Israeli hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Trump has since doubled down on that plan.

Abu Obeida, the military spokesman for Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, accused Israel of violating the terms of the deal. He said Israel is "delaying the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, targeting them with shelling and gunfire in various areas of the Strip, and not allowing relief supplies of all kinds to enter as agreed upon."

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