Fears over the fragility of the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas deepened on Monday after Hamas announced it would suspend further releases of Israeli captives, citing Israeli violations of the agreement.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s Qassam Brigades, declared in a televised statement that the group would halt the scheduled handover of captives until Israel “fully complies” with the agreed-upon terms and compensates for past infractions.
“The captives will remain where they are until the occupying entity adheres to its obligations and rectifies its repeated violations,” Abu Obeida stated. He accused Israel of obstructing aid deliveries, attacking displaced Palestinians attempting to return to northern Gaza, and failing to uphold security guarantees.
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The announcement immediately drew sharp reactions from Israeli officials. Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the move as a “direct breach of the ceasefire” and ordered the Israeli military to raise its alert status. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced growing pressure to secure the return of Israeli captives, warned that “every option is on the table.”
The United States also waded into the crisis, with President Donald Trump calling for an ultimatum. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, “If all hostages aren’t released by Saturday at noon, I say cancel the deal and let Israel do what it has to do.” The president’s remarks raised concerns that Washington might withdraw its support for the ceasefire unless Hamas resumes the release process.
Under the current ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., Hamas was set to release dozens of Israeli captives in phases in exchange for the liberation of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The deal also stipulated the gradual return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and the increased entry of humanitarian aid. While five successful exchanges have taken place, bringing home 21 Israelis and freeing over 730 Palestinians, Hamas insists that Israel has failed to meet its commitments.
Palestinian activist Mustafa Barghouti accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian efforts, stating, “Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement by blocking aid, attacking civilians, and allowing Trump to push for the forced displacement of Gazans.”
Netanyahu, however, maintains that his government is committed to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, a goal he reaffirmed last week.
As tensions mount, international mediators are scrambling to salvage the truce before it collapses entirely. Egyptian and Qatari diplomats are reportedly in urgent talks with both sides, while the U.N. has warned that a resumption of hostilities could unleash catastrophic humanitarian consequences in Gaza.
With the first stage of the ceasefire agreement set to expire on March 1, uncertainty looms over whether the truce will hold or whether renewed violence is on the horizon.
