Gaza, Feb 11  (V7N) – The fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has collapsed once again, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement. The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced the suspension of hostage releases until further notice, citing Israeli breaches of the ceasefire deal. In response, Israel countered with accusations that Hamas failed to uphold its obligations.

The ceasefire, which began on January 19 after 15 months of conflict, included provisions for Hamas to release 33 hostages in phases. While 16 hostages have been released so far, Hamas was scheduled to release three more this coming Saturday.

However, on Monday, Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for the Qassem Brigades—Hamas' military wing—accused Israel of delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and targeting them with gunfire. He also claimed Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. As a result, Hamas announced a halt in hostage releases until Israel complies with the agreement.

In a swift response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Hamas' actions a "complete violation" of the ceasefire terms and ordered the Israeli military to be on high alert. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the families of the remaining hostages had been informed of Hamas' decision, adding that the issue will be addressed at a meeting of Israel's wartime security cabinet on Tuesday.

Amid rising tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, demanding that all remaining hostages be released by 12 noon on Saturday. Trump stated, "If all the hostages in Gaza are not returned by noon Saturday, the ceasefire should be called off. Israel should suffer the pain of hell and move beyond the agreement." He emphasized that while the final decision rests with Israel, he opposes the phased release of hostages.

Trump further warned that the U.S. would halt aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. The new U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on his first Middle East tour later this week, following his meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellatti in Washington on Monday.

As the ceasefire teeters on the brink of collapse, the situation in Gaza and Israel remains tense. The wartime security cabinet meeting in Israel and the upcoming diplomatic engagements in the U.S. will likely shape the next steps in this unfolding crisis.

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