Hamas has responded to President Donald Trump's threat regarding the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The group emphasized the importance of all parties honoring the ceasefire deal reached last month for the hostages' return. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri stated that adherence to the agreement is crucial for the prisoners' release and criticized the use of threatening language, which could complicate the situation.
Furthermore, Hamas has raised concerns about Israel's alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement, leading to a potential delay in releasing three Israeli hostages scheduled for Saturday. President Trump warned that the ceasefire could be canceled if Hamas fails to release all remaining hostages by the specified deadline, leaving the decision to Israel.
Since the ceasefire's initiation, several hostage swaps have taken place, with 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners being released so far. However, the fate of the remaining hostages remains uncertain, with the potential for the conflict to resume in early March if no agreement is reached on the second phase of the ceasefire.
In a separate development, the Israeli military confirmed the death of Shlomo Mantzur, previously believed to be held captive by Hamas. His demise was linked to the 2023 attack, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by hostages and sparking public outrage in Israel.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling them as colonization. Malaysia, a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, advocates for a just resolution to the conflict and emphasizes the need for humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza, warning of a potential tragedy if hostilities resume. He called on both Hamas and Israel to fulfill their commitments and engage in serious negotiations for the release of remaining hostages.
Lastly, Egypt's top diplomat conveyed Arab countries' rejection of President Trump's proposal to take over Gaza and relocate its Palestinian population. The focus remains on Gaza's reconstruction and achieving a political settlement for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
