Israel has sent a message through Egyptian and Qatari mediators to Hamas, demanding the release of three captives by the coming Saturday for the ceasefire to continue. Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire while expressing concerns about Israeli actions. The diplomatic pressures from both the U.S. and Israel significantly affect the ongoing negotiations, with Egypt and Qatar actively working to salvage the agreement.
CAIRO – On February 13, 2025, Israel conveyed a message to Hamas via Egypt and Qatar, the Arab mediators involved in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Israel’s message urged Hamas to release three captives by the upcoming Saturday to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire. Acknowledging this communication could clarify previous mixed signals from U.S. and Israeli officials about the number of hostages necessary for the agreement’s sustainability.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently escalated pressure on Hamas by demanding the release of all detainees by noon Saturday, warning of severe consequences if they fail to comply. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, has made various statements regarding hostages, calling for either all hostages or specifying numbers that differ publicly, creating confusion about Israel’s negotiating stance.
Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire while also indicating a delay in releasing captives, attributing this to Israeli misconduct, which includes actions detrimental to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The organization expressed concerns about Israel’s slow response in allowing displaced Palestinians to return home and the halt of critical supplies.
Moreover, Hamas highlighted the challenges in obtaining medical resources and reconstructive support to restore health services in the region. Following controversial remarks from President Trump regarding the future of Palestinian residency in Gaza, tensions around the ceasefire have intensified. Egypt has voiced its concerns regarding remarks from Israeli and U.S. officials, echoing the urgency of addressing the Palestinian situation.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious as Israel insists on the release of captives to sustain the ceasefire. With conflicting statements from U.S. and Israeli leaders complicating negotiations, Egypt and Qatar are intensifying their mediation efforts. Continued dialogue and timely action regarding the release of hostages are crucial to avoiding renewed hostilities that could lead to further humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
