Hamas suspends release of Israeli hostages over ceasefire violation

A spokesperson for Hamas stated on Monday that the group intends to postpone the upcoming hostage release, citing Israel's alleged breaches of the ceasefire agreement.

Currently, Israel and Hamas are engaged in a six-week ceasefire, during which Hamas has been releasing a number of hostages taken during its attack on October 7, 2023, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Since the ceasefire commenced last month, there have been five exchanges, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 prisoners.

The next exchange was planned for Saturday, involving the release of three Israeli hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, accused Israel on Monday of consistently violating the ceasefire terms over the past three weeks, leading to the decision to delay Saturday's release.

Read more: Trump reiterates plan to ‘buy and own’ Gaza

“The leadership of the resistance has been closely observing the enemy’s violations and its inability to adhere to the agreement,” Abu Obeida remarked.

“This includes delays in permitting displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, targeting them with airstrikes and gunfire in various regions of the Strip, and failing to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid as stipulated.”