The Hamas militant group on Thursday said it would continue to implement the ceasefire deal, including a hostage-prisoner exchange within the agreed time frame.
Hamas had threatened a delay to a scheduled release of hostages, accusing Israel of not meeting its obligations to allow the movement of tents and shelters as part of the truce, as well as other alleged violations.
It remains unclear what effect the release of some of the hostages might have.
US President Donald Trump responded to the delay threat by saying “all hostages” must be freed by noon on Saturday or he would “let hell break out.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country would resume “intense fighting” if Hamas did not meet the deadline.
What Hamas said
“We are not interested in the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, and we are keen on its implementation and ensuring that the occupation [Israel] adheres to it fully,” Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said.
“The language of threats and intimidation used by Trump and Netanyahu does not serve the implementation of the ceasefire agreement,” he added.
Hamas said both Egyptian and Qatari mediators would press on with efforts “to remove obstacles and close gaps,” with talks underway in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
The group said the negotiations have centered on issues such as Israel allowing the entry of mobile homes, tents, medical and fuel supplies, as well as heavy machinery needed for the removal of rubble.
Source : https://www.dw.com/en/hamas-says-will-free-israeli-hostages-as-planned/a-71593539
