Hamas announced on Thursday that it would proceed with the planned release of Israeli hostages, temporarily resolving a dispute that had threatened the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The group stated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators had assured their efforts to “remove all hurdles” to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
According to Hamas, three more Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday. Israel has not yet officially responded to the announcement.
The ceasefire remains fragile, as Hamas previously threatened to delay hostage releases, accusing Israel of not fulfilling its commitments, including permitting the entry of humanitarian aid such as tents and shelters into Gaza.
Israel, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, warned that it would resume military operations if Hamas did not proceed with the hostage release.
“We do not seek the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and are committed to its full implementation, provided Israel also complies,” said Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua. He criticized the “threats and intimidation” from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating they hinder the ceasefire process.
On Wednesday, a Hamas delegation, led by Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya, met with Egyptian security officials to address the dispute. A Palestinian official involved in the talks confirmed that Egypt and Qatar were working to prevent a breakdown of the ceasefire.
Hamas emphasized that mediators were pushing for Israel to adhere to the humanitarian provisions of the truce, including prisoner exchanges between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Israel has put its military on high alert, calling up reservists in case the ceasefire collapses and hostilities resume.