Gaza, February 13, 2025: Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire with Israel on Thursday as mediators worked to maintain the fragile truce amid accusations of violations and the threat of renewed hostilities.
“We are not interested in the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, and we are keen on its implementation and ensuring that the occupation (Israel) adheres to it fully,” said Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua.
Qanoua also criticized what he described as “language of threats and intimidation” from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, arguing that such rhetoric hinders the ceasefire’s implementation.
Earlier this week, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by continuing airstrikes and blocking humanitarian aid. In response, the group announced it would postpone further hostage releases.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu warned that military operations would resume if more captives were not freed by Saturday. Trump echoed this stance, stating on Monday that “all hell would break out” if hostages were not returned.
Following Israel’s call-up of military reservists, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced Trump’s message:
“If Hamas stops the hostage releases, then there is no ceasefire—there is war.” He also warned that future military action would be more intense and aimed at realizing Trump’s vision for Gaza.
Reports suggest Trump has proposed a plan under which the United States would take control of Gaza, with no right of return for Palestinians. The plan has been rejected by regional powers, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Since the ceasefire began last month, Hamas has freed 21 hostages while Israel has released over 730 Palestinian prisoners. The next exchange, scheduled for Saturday, includes the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The war erupted following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the capture of 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military attack has killed more than 48,200 Palestinians, with local health authorities reporting that over half of the casualties were women and children. Israel, however, claims the toll includes 17,000 Hamas militants killed in combat.
