Gaza City/Tel Aviv – The armed wing of Hamas has announced a delay in the next scheduled release of Israeli hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The move, confirmed late Friday, has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials and raised concerns about the stability of the fragile truce. Three Israeli hostages were set to be freed on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

However, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated that the release would be postponed unless Israel adhered to its commitments, including allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and ceasing attacks on civilians. Israel has dismissed these accusations, calling the delay a breach of the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant condemned the announcement as a “complete violation of the ceasefire agreement” and instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to remain on high alert.

“We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7,” Gallant said, referencing the Hamas-led attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 hostages.

Trump Weighs In: ‘All Hell Will Break Out’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israel, called for a stronger stance against Hamas, urging the cancellation of the ceasefire if all hostages were not released immediately.

“I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday… all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two,” Trump stated. “If they are not released, all hell is going to break out.”

When asked if his comments signaled a call for Israeli retaliation, Trump responded, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out too. Hamas will find out what I mean.”

The remarks come amid heightened tensions over the fate of the 73 hostages still held by Hamas since the October 7 attack, alongside three others captured over a decade ago. The latest developments have fueled anxiety among families of the captives, who are demanding swifter action from the Israeli government.

Protests in Tel Aviv as Families Demand Hostage Release

In Tel Aviv, families of the hostages and their supporters held a rally to mark the 24th birthday of Alon Ohel, one of the captives taken from the Nova festival. “The delay is horrifying,” said Mia Goldstein, an attendee. “There should be immense pressure to get the rest of the hostages out.”

Others criticized the Israeli government’s handling of the crisis. “They should have been out months ago,” said protester Michal Neeman. “You see the situation, they are dying there, and their blood is on this government’s hands.”

The United Nations has also weighed in, urging all parties to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized that “any delays” to the truce could have serious consequences.

Ceasefire Uncertainty as Exchange Deal Stalls

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has released 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners.

By the end of the truce’s first stage, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be freed. However, Israeli officials claim that Hamas has failed to meet deadlines, creating further distrust.

The ceasefire has also seen disputes over humanitarian aid. While the UN’s humanitarian chief described a “massive surge” in aid, Hamas claims Israel has obstructed the process.

Meanwhile, Israel recently delayed the movement of Palestinian prisoners after expressing anger over the manner in which released Israeli hostages were paraded through Gaza crowds.

As tensions mount, both sides remain at an impasse, with the fate of the remaining hostages hanging in the balance. Hamas has left the “door open” for further releases, but only if Israel meets its demands.

The coming hours could prove decisive in determining whether the ceasefire holds or collapses under mounting pressure.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members