Hamas to Release More Hostages, Temporarily Easing Ceasefire Tensions in Gaza

Hamas announced Thursday that it will proceed with the planned release of three more Israeli hostages on Saturday, averting an immediate crisis that threatened the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, The Associated Press reports.

The announcement came after a period of heightened tensions, with Hamas accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations under the truce, specifically regarding the delivery of essential humanitarian aid like tents and shelters.

Israel, with the backing of US President Donald Trump, had warned of a renewed offensive if the hostage releases were not carried out as scheduled. While there was no immediate comment from Israel, Hamas’s announcement is expected to allow the ceasefire, which took effect in January, to continue, at least for the time being.

According to Hamas, its delegation held discussions in Cairo with Egyptian officials and maintained contact with the Prime Minister of Qatar to address the delivery of crucial supplies to Gaza. These include shelters, medical supplies, fuel, and heavy equipment needed for clearing rubble – a key demand in recent days. Hamas stated that mediators pledged to “remove all hurdles” to these deliveries.

Egyptian state-run Qahera TV, known for its close ties to the country’s security services, reported that Egypt and Qatar had successfully resolved the dispute. The two Arab nations have played a critical role as mediators with Hamas, helping to broker the existing ceasefire.

Footage aired on Egyptian media showed trucks carrying temporary housing and bulldozers on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, reportedly en route to an Israeli inspection area before entering Gaza.

Truce Faces Uncertain Future Amid Political Turmoil

Despite this immediate resolution, the future of the truce remains uncertain. The initial phase of the agreement is set to conclude at the beginning of March, and substantive negotiations regarding the second phase – which involves the release of dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent end to the war – have yet to commence.

Adding to the uncertainty is a controversial proposal by Donald Trump to relocate approximately two million Palestinians from Gaza to other countries. While Israel has welcomed the plan, it has been vehemently rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations, who have refused to accept any influx of refugees. Human rights groups have warned that the plan could constitute a war crime under international law.

Hardline elements within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government are already advocating for a resumption of the war following the initial phase, with the aim of implementing Trump’s resettlement plan and eliminating Hamas, which continues to maintain control of the territory.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, saw Hamas militants attack Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals. Since then, more than half of the hostages have been released through negotiations, eight have been rescued, and the bodies of dozens have been recovered.

Seventy-three hostages remain captive, with approximately half believed to be deceased. The remaining hostages are largely comprised of men, including Israeli soldiers.

The war has resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 militants, although this claim has not been independently verified. The Israeli offensive has decimated vast portions of Gaza, displacing as much as 90% of the territory’s 2.3 million population. While many have returned to their homes since the ceasefire, they often find only ruins and the grim discovery of buried remains and unexploded ordnance.

Escalation Looms: “New War” Could Be Devastating

Recent statements from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, echoing Trump’s sentiments, have warned that “all hell will break loose” if Hamas fails to continue releasing hostages. He threatened a “new Gaza war” that would only conclude with the defeat of Hamas, paving the way for Trump’s vision of mass displacement.

With fewer hostages remaining, Israel’s military would likely operate with greater freedom and face less international pressure. This raises concerns about the potential for a more devastating and unrestricted military campaign.

Despite occasional criticism from the Biden administration and temporary suspensions of some arms shipments, Trump has lifted restrictions on arms transfers and is moving forward with a $7 billion arms sale previously approved under President Biden.

Furthermore, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in Netanyahu’s coalition, has called for a resumption of the war, the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza, and the reestablishment of Jewish settlements in the region, further fueling concerns about the future of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed conflict.