Hamas to Release Three Hostages as Ceasefire Faces Uncertainty

The fragile Gaza ceasefire holds for now, but disputes over aid access and long-term agreements raise concerns about its durability.

Hamas has confirmed it will release three Israeli hostages on Saturday, addressing a key dispute in the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, in place since January, has been strained by mutual accusations of violations, including limited aid access to Gaza and a recent rocket launch from the territory.
Egypt and Qatar, acting as mediators, have pledged to address aid delivery issues, including the provision of shelters and rubble-clearing equipment in Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end in early March, with no substantive negotiations yet on the second phase, which involves the release of additional hostages in exchange for a potential end to the war.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population has drawn widespread criticism, complicating efforts to secure a lasting peace.