Two days after the release of hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levi, and Eli Sharabi, Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida announced tonight (Monday) that the terror organization is postponing the continuation of the deal “until further notice”. In response, Israel accused Hamas of violating the agreement earlier today. A senior official reported that the Prime Minister intends to move up tomorrow’s Security Cabinet meeting to the morning.
Staying True to the Agreement’s Terms
Following Hamas’ announcement, the Hostage and Missing Persons Headquarters in the Prime Minister’s Office updated all hostage families this evening, emphasizing that Israel insists on enforcing the agreement as written and considers any violation as highly serious.
Returning from Doha early this morning, the Israeli negotiation delegation informed mediating countries that Hamas’ action — including breaches of the agreement, hostile rhetoric, and false accusations against Israel — could severely escalate, and jeopardize the continuation of the deal.
Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Hamas’ statement: “Hamas’ announcement on halting the release of Israeli hostages is a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage deal. I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect our communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7th.”
Hamas Is Violating the Agreement
During the talks in Qatar, the Israeli delegation addressed Hamas’ claims that Israel is preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Israeli officials denied the accusations, stating: “The claims were thoroughly examined, and there is no truth to them.” Discussions in Doha also focused on the condition of the hostages, particularly the visibly severe starvation suffered by Or Levi, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami during captivity.
Tonight, Hamas’ spokesperson declared that the group is postponing the release of three hostages who were scheduled for release this coming Saturday “until further notice”. Hamas claimed that the delay would remain in effect until Israel reaffirms its commitment to the agreement and “compensates” for recent events. The spokesperson also urged mediators to pressure Israel to comply with the “ceasefire terms.”
Trump: “At Some Point, We Will Lose Patience”
Last night, President Trump addressed the situation of the hostages, stating: “I don’t know how much longer we can tolerate this. I know we have a deal where there is a ‘drip’ of hostages being released, but they are in terrible condition. They are being treated horribly.”
The president added that at some point, his patience would run out: “I don’t know how much longer we can take this. People who were once healthy now look 25 years older. Like images of Holocaust survivors,” he said.
Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to securing the hostages’ release while ensuring Hamas upholds the agreement. As diplomatic efforts continue, the government prepares for all scenarios, determined to protect national security and bring every hostage home.
