Israel on High Alert as Hamas Delays Hostage Release
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday that he has ordered the military to remain on maximum high alert in Gaza and to defend Israeli towns following Hamas’ decision to postpone the release of Israeli hostages.
Calling the move a “complete violation” of the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, Katz declared:
“We will not allow a return to the pre-October 7, 2023, reality.”
Hamas Postpones Hostage Release, Citing Israeli Violations
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, stated that the release of Israeli hostages—originally scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2025—would be delayed indefinitely. According to a spokesperson, the decision was made due to Israel’s failure to comply with ceasefire terms, and Hamas would only proceed with the exchange if Israel provided retrospective compensation for previous weeks.
Read More: Trump Gaza ceasefire should end by Saturday if hostages remain captive
In response, Otzma Yehudit party chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the Israeli government to launch “intense fire attacks on Gaza from the air and ground” and completely halt humanitarian aid, declaring:
“We must return to war and destruction.”
Disputed Ceasefire Terms and Ongoing Tensions
Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, has accused Israel of violating the first phase of the truce by delaying humanitarian aid into Gaza—a claim Israel denies.
So far, Israel has recaptured 16 of the 33 planned hostages, along with five Thai nationals who were released unexpectedly. In return, hundreds of Palestinian detainees have been freed, including:
- Prisoners serving life sentences for attacks that resulted in Israeli fatalities.
- Detainees held without formal charges since the conflict began.
Israel, however, accuses Hamas of breaking the hostage-release agreement and of orchestrating hostile public displays during the transfer of detainees to the Red Cross.
With tensions escalating, the fate of the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain as both sides refuse to back down.
