Hamas Suspends Hostage Exchange, Accuses Israel of Violating Agreement
What Are the Violations?
According to Hamas, Israel has breached the truce agreement in four key ways:
- Failure to allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
- Continued military operations, including shootings and shelling that have killed civilians across Gaza.
- Blocking humanitarian aid, such as tents, mobile homes, fuel, and equipment for clearing debris and retrieving bodies.
- Delaying the entry of medical supplies needed for hospitals and the healthcare sector.
Human rights groups report that since the ceasefire began, more than 100 Palestinians have been killed, and hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks remain blocked from entering Gaza.
Reactions from Both Sides
— Hamas demands full adherence to the agreement, calling the delay in hostage release a warning sign.
— The group deliberately announced the suspension five days in advance to allow mediators time to pressure Israel into compliance.
— Israeli officials confirm that Hamas has upheld the agreement, while evidence suggests Israel has violated its terms.
— Meanwhile, members of the Knesset are blaming Netanyahu, accusing him of sabotaging the deal and endangering hostages.
Israel Prepares for War
As tensions rise, the IDF has canceled soldiers’ leave, signaling preparations for a resumption of hostilities.
Donald Trump warned:
A Pattern of Broken Ceasefires
Israel and Hamas have signed at least five ceasefire agreements in the past – in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2021. Each time, events have followed a similar pattern:
— Hamas generally adheres to the terms.
— Israel, in most cases, does not.
The coming days will be crucial for determining the next phase of the conflict.
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