Hamas announced on Monday a postponement of the next scheduled hostage release from the Gaza Strip, citing alleged Israeli ceasefire violations.

Hamas military wing spokesperson Abu Obeida stated that the resistance leadership had observed Israel’s non-compliance with the agreement, including delays in returning displaced persons to northern Gaza, continued shelling and gunfire attacks across Gaza, and the blocking of agreed-upon aid deliveries. He emphasized Hamas’s fulfillment of its obligations under the agreement.

Consequently, the planned February 15th, 2025 hostage release is delayed until Israel commits to and compensates for past breaches, Abu Obeida said. He reiterated Hamas’s commitment to the agreement, contingent upon Israel’s adherence.

The six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas involves Hamas releasing 33 hostages captured during the October 7th, 2023 attack in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Five prisoner exchanges have already taken place, freeing 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners. The next exchange was to involve three more Israeli hostages.

“Hamas’ announcement to halt the release of Israeli hostages is a clear breach of the ceasefire and the hostage release deal,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Monday. He ordered the IDF to maintain high readiness for any Gaza contingency and strengthen defenses. He vowed to prevent a return to the October 7th situation.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu is conducting an urgent security assessment.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement.

“Following Hamas’s announcement, we’ve urgently requested mediating countries’ assistance to restore and effectively implement the agreement,” the forum stated. “We support the Israeli government and urge upholding conditions ensuring the agreement’s success, bringing home our 76 missing loved ones.” 

“Reports from released hostages, along with the shocking conditions of those freed last Saturday, leave no doubt – immediate action is crucial to rescue all hostages from this dire situation,” the forum added.

On Sunday, President Trump commented on the released hostages’ conditions, describing them as “looking like Holocaust survivors” and “like they haven’t eaten in a month.”

“I don’t know how much longer we can take that,” Trump stated, concerning the hostages’ treatment, adding, “You know, at some point, we’re gonna lose our patience.”

‘ Yonat Friling and