Hamas says it will stop releasing hostages, accuses Israel of violating ceasefire

Hamas said it will stop releasing hostages until further notice, blaming Israel for violations of the ceasefire agreement and raising the risk of reigniting the conflict.

According to Reuters, the next round of releasing hostages by Hamas was set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

UK media The Independent reported that both sides have carried out five swaps since the ceasefire came into force six weeks ago with 21 hostages and over 730 prisoners freed.

Israel and Hamas trade blame over ceasefire violations

A spokesperson for Hamas' military wing said Israeli ceasefire violations included delaying Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, firing on Palestinians and preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza strip.

In response, Israel has accused Hamas of not respecting the order in which the hostages are to be released and putting on abusive public displays before large crowds when handing the hostages over to the Red Cross.

Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, said:

"Hamas' announcement to stop releasing Israeli hostages is a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages. I have instructed the [Israeli military] to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities.

We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7."

The emaciated appearance of three Israeli hostages who were released on Feb. 8 and forced to speak at a handover ceremony have also outraged the Israeli public, Politico reported.

A group representing the majority of the hostages' families, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has since put out a statement calling for meditating countries to ensure the ceasefire continues to be implemented, according to The Independent.

The statement said:

"In response to Hamas's recent announcement, we have urgently requested assistance from the mediating countries to help restore and implement the existing deal effectively. We stand with the Israeli government and encourage maintaining the conditions that will ensure the successful continuation of the agreement, leading to the safe return of our brothers and sisters.

“Recent evidence from those released, as well as the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, leaves no room for doubt - time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation."

Trump" Release all hostages by Feb. 15 noon or "let hell break out"

U.S. President Donald Trump also responded to the Hamas statement by saying that the militant group should release all hostages by the midday of Feb. 15 or he would propose cancelling the ceasefire and "let hell break out", Reuters reported.

He also cautioned that Israel might want to override him on the issue and added that he might speak to Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

"As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday at 12 o'clock, I think it's an appropriate time. I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. I'd say they ought to be returned by 12 o'clock on Saturday," he was quoted as saying.

"We want 'em (the hostages) all back," he added.

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