On Sunday, both Israel and Hamas accused each other of breaching the fragile cease-fire in Gaza. The tensions escalated after Israel postponed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, supposedly to be exchanged for hostages, raising doubts about the future of the truce which expires on March 1. There is no clarity on whether negotiations for an extension have begun or if discussions are serious.

Earlier on Saturday, Hamas released the last living Israeli captives according to the first phase of the cease-fire, after previously handing over the remains of four hostages. In response, Israel was supposed to release 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, the largest group since the cease-fire began. However, it delayed the release, citing Hamas’s use of hostages for propaganda as per Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

The delay and return of remains of hostages have been fraught with mistrust and recriminations. Verification processes for the bodies and claims about their deaths have added to the tension.

The captive release situation worsened when Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostages pleading for their freedom. Despite international law experts arguing that such videos are made under duress and forced, it provoked mixed emotions in Israel, offering hope to the hostages’ families but also anger at their situation.

Conflict between Israel and Hamas over the prisoner releases has significantly strained relations and threatens the stability of the cease-fire in Gaza. Despite some progress, the situation remains precarious and fraught with mutual distrust.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/23/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-cease-fire.html