Hamas Halts Hostage Releases; Israeli Army on Full Alert

On Monday, February 22, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and announced that it would halt the process of releasing the Israeli hostages until further notice. According to Israeli media, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed 'all families of the hostages' about Hamas's statement and emphasized its commitment to the ceasefire agreement. Reports indicate that Netanyahu is also engaged in security consultations regarding Hamas's statement and will hold a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday, after seeing images of three released hostages from Hamas captivity, that his patience regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has run out. The U.S. President added that the released hostages resembled 'Holocaust survivors' due to their 'terrible condition.' While Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, Israeli officials have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to fully implementing this agreement in recent weeks. The Iran-backed group is committed to releasing additional Israeli hostages next Saturday as part of the ceasefire agreement, similar to the previous three Saturdays, in exchange for the release of several Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for Hamas, claimed that Israel is delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, continuing its attacks on Gaza, and preventing humanitarian aid from entering the strip. Abu Obeida further stated that the release of hostages would be halted until Israel adheres to the ceasefire agreement and that Israel must compensate for 'last week's damages.' In this context, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that in response to Hamas's violation of the ceasefire agreement, he has ordered the Israeli army in Gaza to be on full alert. Reuters reported on Monday, citing two Egyptian security sources, that mediators are concerned that the ceasefire agreement may fail. During the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were massacred, and more than 250 others, including children, women, and the elderly, were taken hostage. In response to this terrorist attack, Israel launched its offensive against Gaza with the aim of destroying Hamas and recovering all kidnapped hostages. There are still 76 hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza, and some of them have lost their lives. Many countries, including the U.S. and the European Union, have designated the Palestinian group Hamas, which is supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a terrorist organization. Trump, prior to his meeting with King Abdullah, stated his commitment to buying and owning the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu described his meeting with Trump as a 'historic turning point for Israel.' Riyadh opposed Netanyahu's comments regarding the exit of Palestinians from Gaza. The Israeli army exited the Netzarim corridor. The Israeli Ministry of Health reported that three released hostages are suffering from severe malnutrition.