Hamas Delays Israeli Prisoner Release Following Israel’s Violations of Ceasefire Deal
Gaza (Quds News Network)- Hamas announced it would delay the release of Israeli prisoners scheduled for February 15 following Israel’s failure to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, said Israel had delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza. He also stated that Israel has been targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.
“We have fulfilled all our obligations,” Abu Ubaida stated. “But Israel has not. The prisoners will not be released until Israel complies and makes up for its past violations.”
More than 20 days have passed since the ceasefire began, but conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Israel still blocks the entry of heavy machinery needed to remove 55 million tons of rubble. Without it, tens of thousands of bodies remain trapped under collapsed buildings, and roads remain inaccessible. Israel also obstructed aid entry into Gaza and arrested truck drivers.
Israeli forces have also continued attacking civilians. In the latest incident, they struck a vehicle carrying displaced families returning to northern Gaza. Several people were injured, including children.
Israel has blocked caravans and temporary homes from entering Gaza, delayed phase two negotiations, which were supposed to start a week ago as Netanyahu has yet to authorize his team to engage, and restricted the number of Gazan patients allowed to exit through Rafah, even vetoing some names. It has also killed dozens of Gazans after the ceasefire took effect, and its forces continue to advance beyond the agreed 900-meter buffer zone.
Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire deal but warned that it would only comply as long as Israel did the same.
