Mediators warn of ceasefire collapse amid Israeli breaches: Reuters
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Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz escalated tensions by announcing that the military is on high alert and prepared to resume aggression in Gaza.
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Displaced Palestinians, traveling in vehicles, wait in line to pass through a security checkpoint at the Netzarim corridor as they make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip, Monday, February 10, 2025. (AP)
The fragile Gaza ceasefire is at risk of collapsing as Hamas suspends captive releases, citing "Israel's" repeated violations of the agreement. Egyptian security sources informed Reuters on Monday that mediation efforts are now in serious jeopardy, with growing concerns that "Israel's" lack of compliance could provoke renewed hostilities.
Hamas announced on Monday that it would pause prisoner exchanges until further notice, stating that "Israel" has repeatedly breached the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
According to Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, "Israel" has:
- Obstructed the return of displaced Palestinians to Northern Gaza
- Continued targeting Palestinians with gunfire and shelling
- Restricted humanitarian aid deliveries into the besieged enclave
Hamas had been set to release captives on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but the group now demands that "Israel" fulfill its obligations and compensate for its violations before the process can continue.
Ceasefire talks stalled
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have postponed ceasefire negotiations, citing "Israel's" refusal to abide by the deal. A Palestinian official involved in the talks confirmed that discussions had stalled due to "Israel's" consistent non-compliance and refusal to implement the humanitarian provisions of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz escalated tensions by announcing that the military is on high alert and prepared to resume aggression in Gaza.
"I instructed the IOF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the [border] communities. We will not return to the reality of October 7," he said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is facing growing criticism from within "Israel", with families of Israeli captives urging mediators to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing and Veterans' organizations accusing the government of deliberately sabotaging the agreement.
Read more: Netanyahu blocking inquiry into Oct 7 failures amid pressure: Reports
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners still on hold
Under the current ceasefire agreement, the Resistance movement Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages over 42 days, with 16 having already been freed. In return, "Israel" was supposed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been held without charge or trial under its policy of administrative detention.
However, Hamas now accuses "Israel" of deliberately obstructing humanitarian aid and failing to implement key provisions of the deal. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have rejected Palestinian demands for an end to the blockade, even as displaced civilians in Gaza continue to suffer under catastrophic conditions.
