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Hamas threatens to postpone next hostage release, claiming Israel has broken terms of ceasefire deal

Hamas has warned that it may delay the next scheduled hostage release in Gaza on Saturday “until further notice,” alleging that Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement.

Israel condemned the threatened postponement as a “complete violation of the ceasefire” and ordered its military to prepare for “any possible scenario” in Gaza.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to cancel the ceasefire and “let all hell break out” if Hamas followed through on its threat.

In a post on X on Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, stated that the release of hostages scheduled for Saturday would be postponed “until further notice” unless Israel adhered to and retroactively fulfilled the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

He added, “We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation abides by them.”

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday while traveling from West Palm Beach, Florida, to New Orleans, where he signed a proclamation declaring February 9 as "the first-ever Gulf of America Day."

In a later statement, however, Hamas indicated that the hostage release could still proceed as planned. The group described its announcement as a "warning" aimed at pressuring Israel to "fully honor" the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

“Hamas issued this statement five days ahead of the scheduled prisoner exchange to allow mediators sufficient time to pressure Israel into fulfilling its obligations,” the statement read. “This also keeps the door open for the exchange to proceed as planned, provided Israel complies.”

Abu Obeida accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations over the past three weeks, including “delaying the return of displaced people to northern Gaza, targeting them with shelling and gunfire, and failing to allow the agreed-upon entry of relief supplies.” Hamas also alleged that Israel was blocking the entry of tents, prefabricated houses, fuel, and rubble-removal equipment, as well as delaying essential medicines and hospital supplies.

A diplomat familiar with the ceasefire negotiations told CNN that the UN, Qatar, and other countries had sought permission to deliver temporary shelters to Gaza, but Israel refused. CNN has reached out to Israeli officials for comment.

Military on High Alert

In response to Hamas’ threat to delay the hostage release, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that he had ordered the military to maintain “the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza.”

The defense minister condemned Hamas’ decision as a “complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later announced it was “raising its level of readiness in southern Israel, postponing leave for combat soldiers,” and reinforcing troops in the area to prepare for “various scenarios.”

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if all hostages were not released by Saturday at noon, he believed it would be time to “cancel the ceasefire” and “let all hell break out.”

When pressed on what “all hell” would entail in Gaza, Trump declined to elaborate, saying, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out – Hamas will find out what I mean.”

The U.S. president also voiced doubts about how many hostages remain alive, stating, “I think a lot of the hostages are dead.”

Meanwhile, an Israeli official told CNN on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was consulting with his security leadership team. Due to Hamas’ announcement, a political-security cabinet meeting originally scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday local time was moved up to the morning hours.

‘Time is of the Essence’

Hamas’ threat to delay the next hostage release poses a significant challenge to the already fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas—but it does not necessarily signal the deal’s collapse.

Hamas Threatens to Delay Hostage Release, Citing Israeli Ceasefire Violations

By Jeremy Diamond, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Lauren Izso, and Mostafa Salem, CNN
Updated 7:26 PM EST, Mon, February 10, 2025

Hamas has threatened to postpone the next scheduled hostage release in Gaza on Saturday “until further notice,” accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Israel denounced the threat as a “complete violation of the ceasefire” and ordered its military to prepare for “any possible scenario” in Gaza.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Israel to cancel the ceasefire and “let all hell break out” if Hamas follows through on its threat.

In a statement on X Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said the hostage release would be delayed “until further notice” unless Israel fully adhered to the terms of the agreement and compensated for past violations.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the agreement as long as the occupation honors its obligations,” he added.

Ceasefire Under Pressure

In a subsequent statement, Hamas suggested that the release could still go forward, framing the announcement as a “warning” aimed at pressuring Israel to “fully honor” the deal.

“By issuing this statement five days ahead of the scheduled handover, Hamas aims to allow mediators time to push Israel to comply,” the group said. “The door remains open for the exchange, provided Israel abides by the agreement.”

Hamas accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations over the past three weeks, including blocking displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, targeting them with gunfire, and restricting the entry of humanitarian aid. The group also claimed that Israel had prevented the delivery of essential supplies, such as tents, prefabricated homes, fuel, and medical equipment.

A diplomat involved in the ceasefire talks told CNN that the UN, Qatar, and other countries had sought approval to send temporary shelters to Gaza, but Israel denied the request. CNN has reached out to Israeli officials for comment.

Israel on High Alert

Following Hamas’ announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to raise its alert level and prepare for any possible escalation in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed it was “reinforcing troops in southern Israel, postponing leave for combat soldiers, and enhancing readiness for multiple scenarios.”

Meanwhile, in the Oval Office, President Trump doubled down on his call to end the ceasefire, stating, “If all hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at noon, then cancel it. All bets are off—let hell break out.”

Pressed on what “all hell” might entail, Trump declined to elaborate. “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out—Hamas will find out what I mean.”

Trump also questioned whether all remaining hostages were still alive, saying, “I think a lot of the hostages are dead.”

Growing Pressure on Netanyahu

An Israeli official told CNN that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had convened emergency consultations with his security team and moved up a high-level cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening to the morning due to Hamas’ announcement.

The situation comes at a highly sensitive moment for Israel. The release of three severely malnourished hostages last Saturday has fueled public urgency to secure the return of others still in captivity.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism for delaying talks on extending the ceasefire, and right-wing politicians have renewed calls to resume full-scale military operations in Gaza.

Trump’s recent proposal to permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza and for the U.S. to “own” the territory has added further uncertainty to the situation.

Protests in Tel Aviv

Against this backdrop, protests erupted in Tel Aviv on Monday night, with demonstrators demanding the government do more to secure the hostages’ release.

“The Israeli government just torpedoed the deal,” said Danny Elgarat, whose 69-year-old brother Itzhak was supposed to be freed in the first phase of the agreement. “We cannot accept this.”

While Hamas’ latest threat adds pressure, similar disputes between Israel and Hamas have arisen throughout the ceasefire process, often resolved through mediation.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum has urged mediators to step in and prevent the situation from escalating.

“Time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation,” the forum said in a statement.

Hamas Threatens to Delay Hostage Release, Citing Israeli Ceasefire Violations

By Jeremy Diamond, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Lauren Izso, and Mostafa Salem, CNN
Updated 7:26 PM EST, Mon, February 10, 2025

Hamas has warned that it will delay the next scheduled hostage release in Gaza, set for Saturday, “until further notice,” claiming Israel has failed to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.

Israel condemned the threat as a “complete violation” of the ceasefire and instructed its military to prepare for any potential developments in Gaza.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to cancel the ceasefire and escalate military action if Hamas followed through with its postponement.

In a statement on X, Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said the hostage handover would be suspended “until the occupation commits to and compensates for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively.”

“We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them,” he added.

Ceasefire Under Strain

Despite the threat, Hamas later suggested there was still a chance for the release to proceed as planned. The group framed the statement as a warning meant to pressure Israel into fully complying with the deal.

“By issuing this statement five days in advance, Hamas aims to give mediators time to ensure the occupation fulfills its obligations,” the group said. “The door remains open for the exchange if Israel complies.”

Hamas accused Israel of multiple violations over the past three weeks, including:

• Blocking displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza
• Attacking civilians with gunfire and shelling
• Restricting the entry of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, fuel, and shelter materials

A diplomat familiar with the ceasefire negotiations told CNN that the UN, Qatar, and other countries had sought approval to deliver temporary shelters to Gaza, but Israel rejected the request. CNN has reached out to Israeli officials for comment.

Israel on High Alert

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to raise its alert level and prepare for any possible escalation.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it was reinforcing troops in southern Israel, canceling leave for combat soldiers, and increasing readiness for multiple scenarios.

Meanwhile, speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump reiterated his call for Israel to end the ceasefire if hostages were not released by Saturday at noon.

“If all the hostages aren’t returned by then, cancel it,” Trump said. “All bets are off—let hell break out.”

When asked what “all hell” would entail, Trump responded, “You’ll find out, and Hamas will find out.”

The U.S. president also cast doubt on how many hostages remain alive, stating, “I think a lot of the hostages are dead.”

Netanyahu Under Pressure

An Israeli official told CNN that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had convened emergency security consultations and moved up a high-level cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening to the morning.

The threat comes at a pivotal moment in Israel, as public concern over hostages has surged following the release of three emaciated captives last Saturday.

Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism for delaying negotiations with Hamas on extending the ceasefire. Meanwhile, right-wing politicians are calling for a return to full-scale war in Gaza.

Trump’s recent suggestion that Palestinians be permanently displaced from Gaza and that the U.S. “own” the territory has added further uncertainty.

Protests in Tel Aviv

Amid the escalating tensions, protesters gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday night, demanding the government take action to secure the hostages’ release.

“The Israeli government just torpedoed the deal,” said Danny Elgarat, whose 69-year-old brother Itzhak was supposed to be freed under the agreement. “We cannot accept this.”

While Hamas’ threat is significant, disputes over the ceasefire have been raised before and were often resolved through mediation.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum urged mediators to intervene and prevent the situation from unraveling.

“Time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation,” the group said.