Hamas Halts Hostage Releases, Citing Israeli Ceasefire Violations

The delay in prisoner exchanges raises concerns about the fragile Gaza ceasefire as both sides trade accusations of non-compliance.

Hamas announced it will suspend further hostage releases, claiming Israel violated the ceasefire agreement by delaying aid, restricting displaced Palestinians' return, and conducting military actions in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Hamas' decision a breach of the ceasefire, ordering the military to prepare for potential escalation in Gaza.
The ceasefire deal, which began on January 19, has facilitated five prisoner exchanges, with 21 Israeli hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners released so far.
Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire are ongoing, but mistrust between the parties and U.S. President Trump's controversial proposal to relocate Gazans have heightened tensions.
Families of hostages and mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, are urging both sides to adhere to the agreement and prevent the ceasefire from collapsing.