The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faces the threat of collapse as Hamas warns of Israeli “procrastination” in meeting its commitments, just as another hostage-prisoner exchange took place on Saturday.
Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34—who were among 251 individuals captured during the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In response, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, transporting them by bus to Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
The truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aims to facilitate the phased release of hostages and prisoners, with Hamas initially expected to release 33 captives, including children, female soldiers, the wounded, and the sick, in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian detainees.
However, Hamas official Basem Naim cautioned that Israel’s delays and alleged failure to uphold its end of the agreement could derail the fragile ceasefire. “Returning to war is certainly not our wish nor our decision,” he stated, adding that if Israel does not follow through, the truce may “stop or collapse.”
The Israeli government condemned the deteriorated condition of the newly released hostages, describing their emaciated appearance as “shocking.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office warned that “the shocking images we saw today will not pass without response,” vowing to bring back all remaining hostages. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transported the three men to an Israeli military facility in Gaza before they were taken to a base outside the enclave for medical checks and reunion with their families.
Meanwhile, the conflict has further complicated diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Hamas urged Arab nations to withdraw from normalization talks with Israel, particularly targeting those considering formalising ties. The US has long sought to broker an Israeli-Saudi normalisation deal, but Saudi Arabia recently reaffirmed that it will not establish relations with Israel without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
With 39 hostages still held in Gaza, along with the confirmed remains of 34 others, the ceasefire remains delicate.
