Israel, Hamas exchange accusations of ceasefire deal violation
Published in News & Features
Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the terms of a ceasefire deal agreed to last month, raising concerns over the durability of the truce about half way through the initial six-week period.
Hamas said Monday the group’s next scheduled release of hostages on Saturday will be postponed until further notice, accusing Israel of delaying the return of Gazans to the north of the war-ravaged territory, opening fire in different parts of the strip and denying entry of humanitarian aid.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded that the announcement amounted to a violation of the ceasefire and the country’s military has been placed on high alert.
The comments on both sides highlight the fragility of the truce, with talks on whether it can be extended at an early stage. Still, Israel and Hamas have exchanged similar accusations in the past which were ultimately resolved without scuppering the deal.
Israel agreed last month to exchange Palestinian prisoners for hostages taken by Hamas during the October 2023 attacks that triggered the 16-month war, and five swaps have taken place so far. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and many other countries.
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