Hamas delays release of more hostages, accuses Israel of violating ceasefire

Israeli captive Eli Sharabi, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A Hamas spokesman has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement with the group, including targeting Palestinians in Gaza with air strikes, and said that next Saturday’s hostage release would be delayed.

Israel and Hamas are in the middle of a six-week ceasefire during which Hamas is releasing dozens of the hostages captured in its attack on October 7 2023 in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The sides have carried out five swaps since the ceasefire went into effect last month, freeing 21 hostages and more than 730 prisoners.

The next exchange was scheduled for Saturday, releasing three Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, accused Israel of systematically violating the ceasefire agreement over the past three weeks, and said Saturday’s release would be delayed.

“The resistance leadership has closely monitored the enemy’s violations and its failure to uphold the terms of the agreement,” he said.

“This includes delays in allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, targeting them with air strikes and gunfire across various areas of the Strip, and failing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid as agreed.”

More to follow . . .