The Hamas terrorist organization announced on Thursday its decision to retract a prior threat of non-compliance, committing instead to the ongoing release of Israeli hostages as outlined in the Gaza agreement.
This marks a significant shift from its earlier stance, where it had declared a suspension of hostage releases, citing alleged Israeli infractions within the framework of a six-week ceasefire arrangement.
According to the Financial Times, Israel had responded to Hamas's initial announcement with a stern warning, indicating a potential resumption of hostilities should the scheduled release of hostages not proceed as planned on Saturday. In a parallel development, former U.S. President Donald Trump also issued a cautionary statement to Hamas, emphasizing potential repercussions should the group fail to adhere to the terms of the agreement, as reported by Breitbart News.
Following discussions with mediators, Hamas claimed to have received assurances that impediments to the agreement would be addressed. "Accordingly, Hamas confirms its continued position to implement the agreement in accordance with what was signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified timetable," the group stated. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.
Currently, 73 hostages remain in Gaza, with 17 scheduled for release in the initial phase. However, not all hostages are alive, and many would have continued to be held until a "second phase" of the agreement could be enacted. This development underscores the complex and precarious nature of negotiations in the region, where the balance between diplomacy and military action remains delicate.
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