Gaza Strip: Hamas Accuses Israel of Endangering Truce
Gaza Strip: Hamas Accuses Israel of Endangering Truce
Hamas has accused Israel of gravely endangering a five-week-old Gaza truce by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners under the deal because of the manner in which Israel has freed Israeli hostages.
First Phase of Truce Nears End
The first phase of the truce ends early in March, and details of a planned subsequent phase have not been agreed. Tensions are again hanging over the deal, which halted more than 15 months of war.
Israel Expands Military Operations in West Bank
Israel has announced an expansion of military operations in the occupied West Bank, with a tank division to be sent to the West Bank city of Jenin, the first such deployment in 20 years.
Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages
Since the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase began on January 19, Hamas has released 25 living Israeli hostages in ceremonies before crowds at various locations in Gaza. Armed masked fighters escort the captives onto stages adorned with slogans, with the hostages speaking and waving in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called "humiliating ceremonies."
Red Cross Appeals for Dignified and Private Swaps
The Red Cross has appealed to "all parties" for the swaps to be carried out in a "dignified and private" manner.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Violations
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said postponing the release of prisoners exposes "the entire agreement to grave danger." Naim called on mediators, especially the Americans, to pressure Israel’s government "to implement the agreement as it is and immediately release our prisoners."
Israel’s Response
In response, Israel accused Hamas of "repeated violations," including the "humiliating ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda." Netanyahu’s office said, "In light of these violations, it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists."
War and Violence Continue
The war drew in Iran-backed groups around the region, including in Lebanon, where Israel reached a separate ceasefire with the Hezbollah group. Violence has also soared in the West Bank, with the United Nations reporting "forced displacement" of 40,000 Palestinians from Jenin and other refugee camps.
Families of Palestinian Prisoners Wait with Uncertainty
In the West Bank and Gaza, families of Palestinian prisoners wait with uncertainty into the night, hoping for their release. Umm Diya al-Agha, 80, said she had received word her son was among those scheduled to be freed, after 33 years in prison.
"Parading of Bodies" Sparks Outrage
The release of six Israeli captives on Saturday was the last group of living hostages set to be freed under the truce’s first phase. The ceremony in Nuseirat, central Gaza, featured masked Hamas militants, with the captives waving from a stage before being transferred to the Red Cross.
Conclusion
The Gaza Strip is once again at the center of international attention, with tensions running high between Israel and Hamas. As the first phase of the truce nears its end, the release of Palestinian prisoners and the manner in which Israel has freed Israeli hostages remain key issues. The situation is precarious, with the potential for violence to escalate at any moment.
FAQs
- What is the current situation in the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip is at the center of a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, with tensions running high. - What is the issue with the release of prisoners?
Hamas has accused Israel of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners under the deal, citing the manner in which Israel has freed Israeli hostages. - What is the situation in the West Bank?
Violence has soared in the West Bank, with the United Nations reporting "forced displacement" of 40,000 Palestinians from Jenin and other refugee camps. - What is the next step for the truce?
The first phase of the truce ends early in March, and details of a planned subsequent phase have not been agreed.