Hamas delays Israeli captive release following Israel’s violations of ceasefire deal

Hamas announced it would delay the release of Israeli captives scheduled for this weekend following Israel’s failure to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, Quds News reported.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, said Israel had delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza. He also stated that Israel has been targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

“We have fulfilled all our obligations,” Abu Ubaida stated. “But Israel has not. The prisoners will not be released until Israel complies and makes up for its past violations.”

More than 20 days have passed since the ceasefire began, but conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Israel is still blocking the entry of the heavy machinery needed to remove 55 million tonnes of rubble. Without it, tens of thousands of bodies remain trapped under collapsed buildings, and roads remain inaccessible. Israel also obstructed aid entry into Gaza and arrested truck drivers.

Israeli occupation forces have also continued attacking civilians. In the latest incident, they struck a vehicle carrying displaced families returning to northern Gaza. Several people were injured, including children.

Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire deal but warned that it would only comply as long as Israel complied.

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