GAZA, Feb 12 (NNN-WAFA) – Hamas accused Israel yesterday, of failing to uphold its commitments under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
In a statement, Hamas said, “Israel has not fulfilled its commitments and bears full responsibility for any complications or delays.”
The movement reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, as long as Israel abides by it, emphasising that, the agreement was brokered and guaranteed by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, with international oversight.
Hamas’ armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Monday that, the planned release of Israeli captives set for Saturday would be postponed indefinitely, due to what it described as Israel’s failure to uphold the ceasefire terms.
Israeli regime’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said yesterday that, if the Israeli hostages held in Gaza were not returned by Saturday, the ceasefire with Hamas will be cancelled, and Israel will resume “intensive fighting” in the war-torn enclave.
Under the current ceasefire, which took effect on Jan 19, after 15 months of war, 21 hostages – 16 Israelis and five Thais – have been released from Gaza, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli jails.
During the first phase of the agreement, which spans six weeks, 33 Israeli hostages and about 2,000 Palestinian detainees are expected to be released.– NNN-WAFA
