Hamas announces release of Three captives amid ceasefire uncertainty

Hamas has reiterated its commitment to releasing captives held in Gaza according to a timeline established within a ceasefire agreement, amid escalating concerns that the truce is under threat following allegations of Israeli violations.

On Thursday, Hamas issued a statement affirming its intention to uphold the terms of the pact, including a prisoner exchange adhering to the specified schedule. Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanoua affirmed to Anadolu news agency that captives would be released on Saturday, provided Israel complies with the ceasefire conditions.

Al-Qanoua criticized Israel for breaching the agreement, citing actions such as blocking the return of displaced individuals and hindering the entry of humanitarian aid. He warned that failure by Israel to adhere to the truce could jeopardize the prisoner exchange process.

Reports from AFP included a Palestinian source disclosing that mediators had secured a “promise” from Israel to implement a humanitarian protocol beginning Thursday morning. This protocol would facilitate the entry of construction equipment and temporary housing into Gaza.

Hamas described ongoing talks in Cairo, aimed at resolving barriers to the deal, as "positive."

Conversely, Israel has insisted that Hamas must release three living captives by Saturday or risk a resumption of hostilities. The agreement, under severe strain, faces significant hurdles.

Hamas has threatened to delay the scheduled release of captives due to reported Israeli transgressions, including shooting Palestinians in Gaza and obstructing the agreed amount of humanitarian aid.

In response, Israel has stated it would resume its military operations if the timetable for releasing captives is disrupted.

Since the ceasefire's commencement on January 19, over 92 Palestinians have been killed and more than 800 wounded by Israeli forces, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Wednesday for discussions with mediators Egypt and Qatar regarding the truce.

According to Egyptian state-linked media, heavy equipment and trucks carrying mobile homes were poised to enter Gaza, with images from AFP depicting equipment on the Egyptian border. However, Israel announced those materials would not pass through the crossing.

“There is no entry of caravans or heavy equipment into the Gaza Strip, and there is no coordination for this,” wrote Omer Dostri, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on X.

Hamas has previously accused Israel of delaying the delivery of the machinery necessary to clear extensive rubble throughout the area.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned earlier this week that severe consequences would ensue should Hamas fail to release all captives by noon (10:00 GMT) on Saturday.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that renewed conflict would aim to defeat Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, aligning with President Trump's vision for Gaza.

Trump, whose return to the presidency has emboldened the Israeli far right, faced criticism over his controversial proposal to relocate Gaza's 2.3 million residents to Egypt or Jordan.

Currently in its first phase, the Gaza truce has resulted in the phased release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli custody.