Hamas Suspends Hostage Release, Blames Israel for Ceasefire Breach – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
2:17 PM – Monday, February 10, 2025
Hamas has claimed that Israel has violated the agreement that established the ceasefire, which had brought a close to the 15-month-long conflict. Consequently, they announced on Monday that they would delay the anticipated release of Israeli and American hostages in the Gaza Strip.
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The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, pointed out alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement over the past three weeks, asserting that these include shelling and gunfire in various locations across the strip, which supposedly obstructs the delivery of food, aid, and essential supplies to the enclave.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism and frustration regarding Hamas’ statements during an appearance on the Fox News program “Life, Liberty & Levin,” hosted by Mark Levin.
Hamas claimed that Israel’s actions have led to a delay in the return of displaced individuals who were forcefully taken to northern Gaza on October 7th, 2023.
According to Qassam Brigades spokesman Hudhaifa Kahlout, who identifies himself as “Abu Obeida,” the planned hostage transfer was scheduled for Saturday but “will be postponed until further notice,” as he continued to accuse Israel of misconduct on social media.
“The release of the prisoners, which was slated for next Saturday, February 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, pending the occupation’s compliance and the fulfillment of previous obligations,” he declared.
The families of the hostages were deeply troubled by the announcement, prompting the Hostages and Missing Families Forum to seek increased support from the nations facilitating the ceasefire negotiations.
“Recent information from those released, along with the alarming conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, indicates—time is critical, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this dire situation,” the group emphasized.
Israeli medical professionals reported to the media that the three recently released hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52, Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56—returned severely malnourished and faced a range of health issues, including heart conditions and infections.
Negotiations involving Israel and Hamas have been mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Current discussions are focused on refining the details for the next phase of the agreement.
Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the terrorist group’s allegations as “a total violation of the ceasefire terms,” with other Israeli officials echoing similar sentiments.
“I have directed the IDF to be on the highest level of alert for any potential scenarios in Gaza and to ensure the safety of the communities,” Katz stated regarding the Israel Defense Forces.
Aside from the fate of the Hamas hostages and Palestinian prisoners due for release in the exchange, the decision further complicates the uncertain landscape of the fragile ceasefire and future directions in the region.
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