Key points
- Image - Attribution: Fars Media Corporation
Concerns over the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire are mounting after Israel’s security cabinet backed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for the release of all remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered troops to reinforce their positions in and around Gaza following Hamas’s decision to postpone the scheduled release of more captives.
Netanyahu did not clarify whether he was demanding the immediate release of all 76 remaining hostages or just the three set to be freed on Saturday. Hamas, however, insisted that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and accused Israel of being “responsible for any complications or delays.”
The first phase of the ceasefire deal outlined the gradual release of 33 hostages by Hamas, with 17 more still expected to be freed. However, Israeli officials state that eight of those hostages are already dead. Since the truce began on January 19, Hamas has released 16 Israeli hostages, along with five Thai nationals.
Arab nations are reportedly pressuring Hamas to uphold its commitments and prevent the collapse of the agreement. Meanwhile, in a high-stakes diplomatic meeting, Jordan’s King Abdullah reiterated his strong opposition to Trump’s plan for a Gaza takeover and the displacement of Palestinians.
Netanyahu did not clarify whether he was demanding the immediate release of all 76 remaining hostages or just the three set to be freed on Saturday. Hamas, however, insisted that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and accused Israel of being “responsible for any complications or delays.”
The first phase of the ceasefire deal outlined the gradual release of 33 hostages by Hamas, with 17 more still expected to be freed. However, Israeli officials state that eight of those hostages are already dead. Since the truce began on January 19, Hamas has released 16 Israeli hostages, along with five Thai nationals.
Arab nations are reportedly pressuring Hamas to uphold its commitments and prevent the collapse of the agreement. Meanwhile, in a high-stakes diplomatic meeting, Jordan’s King Abdullah reiterated his strong opposition to Trump’s plan for a Gaza takeover and the displacement of Palestinians.
