Hamas Makes U-Turn After Trump’s Threat Over Israel
The Hamas militant group has announced that it will continue with the planned release of Israeli hostages following “positive” discussions with mediators.
The decision comes after a temporary halt in the process due to disagreement between Hamas and Israel over the terms of the Gaza ceasefire.
The group had earlier accused Israel of violating the truce agreement, announcing an indefinite suspension of earlier scheduled hostage release.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, the militant group said its decision was based on mediators’ assurances that the users surrounding the halt would be handled.
“Hamas confirms its continued position to implement the deal according to what was signed, which includes exchanging prisoners according to the specified timetable,” the group said.
“The talks were characterized by a positive spirit,” they said, adding that Egypt and Qatar affirmed they would work to “remove obstacles and fill gaps.”
Hamas’ decision to delay the scheduled hostage was met with outrage by Israel and their closest allies, the U.S.
President Donald Trump had threatened “hell” on Hamas if the group does not release all Israeli hostages by Saturday
Trump also promised to cut the ceasefire deal if Hamas fails to release the prisoners by noon.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had described the initial move by Hamas as a “total violation” of the ceasefire and instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for potential military action.
The latest disagreement prompted mediators in Qatar to move to salvage the ceasefire and ensure the continuation of the hostage exchange process.
The ceasefire deal, which started on January 19, halted more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza and has seen the exchange of three sets of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel respectively.
Hamas Makes U-Turn After Trump’s Threat Over Israel is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
