Hamas Violates Ceasefire Mandate for Civilian Hostages

 

As Israel celebrates the return of four more hostages, the fate of the rest hangs in the balance after Hamas violated its side of the ceasefire today.

Late Friday, Hamas released the names of female IDF soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. According to an official statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the names provided by Hamas do not align with the original agreement.

Israel had communicated its expectation that female civilian hostages, including Arbel Yehud, would be released first.

The 29-year-old is believed to be held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad rather than Hamas.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamas was also required to provide information about the status of the 26 remaining hostages who are slated for release in the initial phase.

This list would, for the first time, offer long saught information about young Ariel and Kfir Bibas and their parents Shiri and Yarden

Hamas received 200 dangerous Arab prisoners today. For each female civilian hostage released, the deal stipulates that Israel will free 30 terrorists, while 50 are to be released for each female IDF soldier. Some are serving life sentences for murder and other terror-related offenses.

Hamas’ violation of the ceasefire agreement has placed Israel in a challenging position.

Netanyahu has a range of options to consider, including withdrawing his commitment to allow Arabs to return to northern Gaza or modifying the list of dangerous Arab prisoners slated for release.

However, any adjustments to the prisoner list could further complicate the fragile negotiations.

Footage shared by Palestinian sources shows thousands of Gazans gathered along the coastal road in central Gaza, waiting to return to the northern part of the Strip.

According to the agreement, the IDF was set to withdraw from parts of the Netzarim Corridor to enable the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza.

However, Israel has stated that it will not permit the movement northward until Hamas secures the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was expected to be freed over the weekend.

Furthermore, Hamas has yet to provide a list of living hostages slated for release during this phase of the ceasefire.

The IDF has cautioned against attempting to return to northern Gaza via the Netzarim Corridor, where its forces remain stationed.

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