The fragile cease-fire in Gaza is experiencing significant strain as both Israel and Hamas exchange accusations over alleged breaches, raising concerns about the truce’s long-term viability.
Accusations and Delays
On Sunday, Israel announced a postponement in the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners that had been scheduled for the previous day. The Israeli government cited “repeated violations” by Hamas, including what it described as the “cynical use of hostages for propaganda purposes.” This announcement followed Hamas’s release of six Israeli hostages on Saturday, which sparked criticism for purportedly violating international law.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the further liberation of Palestinian prisoners would only proceed once “the release of the next hostages is guaranteed, and without the rituals of humiliation.” This statement underscores Israel’s insistence on a more secure exchange process in light of ongoing tensions.
Reactions from Hamas
“The occupation’s claim that ‘the handover ceremony is humiliating’ is a false claim and a flimsy pretext aimed at evading the agreement’s obligations,”
Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq condemned Israel’s delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners and dismissed Netanyahu’s allegations. He further stated that “the real insult is what our prisoners are subjected to during the release process, from torture, beatings and deliberate humiliation until the last moments.”
Since the cease-fire commenced on January 19, both Israel and Hamas have frequently traded accusations of violations. Notably, on February 10, Hamas postponed the release of additional Israeli captives, attributing its action to violations by Israel. In response, Netanyahu warned that the cease-fire would be at risk if Hamas did not adhere to the planned hostages’ release.
In related developments, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops would maintain their presence in parts of the occupied West Bank for “the coming year.” This decision follows a weeks-long military offensive, aimed at preventing the return of tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians to their homes.
Katz revealed that he had directed the military to prepare to remain in certain urban refugee camps in the West Bank, where approximately 40,000 Palestinians have fled, resulting in areas described as “emptied of residents.”