From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 10, 2025
Hamas indicates Saturday’s hostage release could still go ahead if Israel ‘implements obligations’ under Gaza truce
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
After announcing it was postponing the hostage-prisoner exchange slated for Saturday over alleged Israeli violations of the ongoing Gaza truce deal, Hamas indicates that it is open to fulfilling the release on time if Israel ceases its ostensible violations.
“Postponing the release of prisoners is a warning message to the occupation, and to pressure for strict adherence to the terms of the agreement,” says Hamas, referring to the hostages it took on October 7, 2023.
The terror group adds that it intentionally made the announcement five days ahead of the planned release “to give the mediators sufficient opportunity to pressure the occupation to implement its obligations, and to keep the door open to implement the exchange on time if the occupation adheres to its obligations.”
“Hamas has implemented all its obligations accurately and on time,” the terror group says in a statement.
It lays out a list of alleged Israeli violations, including delaying the return of the displaced Gazans to the northern Strip; shooting at Palestinians; blocking the entry of tents, prefabricated houses, fuel, and equipment to remove rubble; and delaying the entry of medical supplies.
An Israeli official tells the state-run Kan news broadcaster that Israel is allowing shelters into Gaza after they undergo a security check.
Hamas says it conveyed its complaints to the mediators.
