Hamas has confirmed it will adhere to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, despite threatening to delay the release of Israeli hostages. The group said in a statement that it would continue implementing the deal, including exchanging prisoners according to the specified timetable.
The agreement, brokered by the US and Israel, includes the release of three more Israeli hostages and dozens more Palestinian prisoners on Saturday. Hamas had previously accused Israel of violating the agreement, but now says it will abide by its terms.
Israel’s military detected a rocket launch within Gaza, but the weapon fell inside the Palestinian territory. The IDF said it struck the launcher, but provided no further information. A ceasefire has remained in effect since Hamas’ October 2023 terrorist attack, which killed over 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage.
The US President Trump had suggested that Hamas should release all remaining Israeli hostages, or face “all hell breaking loose.” This plan sparked a fierce backlash from regional partners and allies worldwide. The UN Secretary-General has urged Hamas to resume hostage releases and avoid any resumption of fighting in the territory.
Negotiations for the second phase of the deal have begun, which would see even more hostages released by Hamas and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamas-to-release-israeli-hostages-per-gaza-ceasefire