Hamas Confirms Timely Release of Hostages

The Palestinian movement Hamas announced that negotiations with mediators have been positive and reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This includes the scheduled exchange of hostages. The statement was published on Hamas' Telegram channel.

“The negotiation delegation, led by Hamas leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya, held talks in Cairo with the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate, Hassan Rashad, as well as a phone conversation with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani. The consultations proceeded positively, and Hamas confirms that it continues to uphold the terms of the agreement, including implementing the prisoner exchange process within the set timeframe,” the statement read.

During the discussions, Hamas emphasized the importance of fulfilling all aspects of the deal, particularly ensuring the delivery of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas insisted on the urgent need for tents and trailers to house displaced residents, heavy equipment for clearing rubble, as well as fuel and medical supplies. According to the group, mediators assured them that they would oversee the fulfillment of these demands.

Shortly after the Hamas statement, the Egyptian news channel Al-Qahira Al-Ikhbariya reported that Cairo and Doha had resolved obstacles to implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Sources from the channel indicated that “both sides (Israel and Hamas) will adhere to the terms of the truce agreement.”

Previously, on February 10, a spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Ubaida, announced a delay in releasing a new group of hostages, originally scheduled for February 15. Hamas accused Israel of breaching the deal by delaying the return of displaced residents from southern to northern Gaza, targeting civilians with gunfire, and failing to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid deliveries. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on February 11 that intensive military operations in Gaza would resume if Hamas failed to release Israeli hostages by noon on February 15.

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Based on TASS materials