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Hamas Demands Ceasefire Respect for Israeli Hostage Release
Hamas warns Israel that hostages will only be freed if the fragile ceasefire is upheld, rejecting Trump's threats. UN urges restraint to avoid further tragedy.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-11
Hamas Demands Ceasefire Respect for Israeli Hostage Release

A senior Hamas official stated on Tuesday that Israeli hostages in Gaza will only be released if the fragile ceasefire, in effect since January 19, is respected. The statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to "let hell break out" if the hostages are not freed.

Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by continuing military actions in Gaza. The group has suspended further hostage releases until the terms are upheld.

Trump's Ultimatum and Israeli Response

Trump issued a warning on Monday, demanding that Hamas release all hostages by Saturday or face the potential cancellation of the ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to recovering all hostages, stating, "We will continue to take determined and ruthless action until we return all of our hostages — the living and the deceased."

Hamas Rejects Threats

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, dismissed Trump's threats. "The language of threats has no value and only complicates matters," he said. "The only way to bring back the prisoners is by respecting the agreement."

Trump's Controversial Proposal for Gaza

In a move that has enraged Palestinians and Arab leaders, Trump proposed relocating Gaza's more than 2 million residents and turning the enclave into the "Riviera of the Middle East."

Jordan's King Abdullah, a U.S. ally, is expected to have tense discussions with Trump, who threatened to cut aid to Jordan if it refuses to resettle Palestinians.

The forcible displacement of a population under military occupation is considered a war crime under the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Palestinians fear a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, during which hundreds of thousands were displaced.

Mounting Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis

The Gaza health ministry reports that over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict over the past 16 months, with nearly the entire population displaced. The situation has led to a hunger crisis.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on social media, "A resumption of activities should be avoided at all costs because that would lead to immense tragedy." He called on both sides to honor the ceasefire and continue negotiations.

Regional Instability

Trump's demands have added new complexity to an already volatile situation, affecting diplomatic relations with key regional players like Jordan and Egypt.

As hopes for a two-state solution continue to fade, the region faces mounting challenges in maintaining a fragile peace.

 
Tagged:

GazaCeasefire

MiddleEastConflict

HostageCrisis

PeaceTalks

USPolicy
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