Netanyahu Announces Cease-Fire on Hold Until Hamas Shares Hostage List

January 18, 2025 TruthUSA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the cease-fire with Hamas is currently on hold until the terrorist group provides a detailed list of hostages to be released as part of the agreement.

Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the cease-fire cannot proceed without the submission of the agreed-upon list of hostages, as Israel will not tolerate any violations of the terms by Hamas.

The Prime Minister’s statement came after Hamas failed to provide the names of the hostages to a Qatari mediator at the expected time. There has been no response from Hamas or Qatar regarding Netanyahu’s statement.

Furthermore, Netanyahu asserted in a video shared on social media platform X that the return of all hostages is a crucial goal of the war, and Israel will not relent until this objective is accomplished. He also warned that Israel reserves the right to resume military action if necessary.

Prior to Netanyahu’s remarks, Qatar’s foreign minister had announced on X that the cease-fire in Gaza was set to begin on Sunday morning, urging caution once the deal is in effect.

The agreement, declared by Netanyahu’s office on Friday, involves a three-phase cease-fire in Gaza, alongside the release of remaining hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The initial phase includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas, paving the way for discussions on subsequent phases later on. The agreement also facilitates the increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, acting as a mediator, stressed that the agreement’s success depends on both parties acting in good faith to prevent its collapse.

Israeli forces initiated the military operation in Gaza in response to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages taken.

According to the Gaza health department, Israel’s ground offensive has led to a significant number of deaths, without distinction between civilian and terrorist casualties.

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