Hamas says it will continue implementing Gaza deal, including hostage exchange

Armed members of Hamas stand at the handover ceremony in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on February 8, 2025 [YOUSSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images]

The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said on Thursday that it will continue to implement the Gaza ceasefire deal, including a hostage exchange within the agreed timeframe. Hamas said earlier that it would suspend the exchange due to Israel’s violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The movement’s latest announcement comes as mediators said they have secured a commitment by the parties involved to pursue implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, a Palestinian official close to the mediation efforts told Reuters on Thursday.

Israel has called up military reservists to prepare for a possible re-eruption of the war in the Gaza Strip if Hamas fails to meet a Saturday deadline to free further Israeli hostages.

READ: Israel’s actions drove Hamas to suspend captive release, say Israeli experts

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