UN chief urges Hamas to proceed with planned hostage releases
Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres speaks during a plenary session at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, at the Grand Palais, in Paris, on February 11, 2025. (AFP Photo)
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged Hamas to follow through with its planned release of Israeli hostages amid rising tensions over the implementation of a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.
Guterres calls for adherence to cease-fire terms
Guterres warned that the resumption of hostilities in Gaza would lead to a humanitarian disaster and called on Hamas to proceed with the scheduled hostage releases.
“We must avoid at all costs resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to immense tragedy,” he wrote on X, adding, “Both sides must fully abide by their commitments in the ceasefire agreement and resume serious negotiations.”
The cease-fire, which took effect on Jan. 19, paused more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza and facilitated five rounds of hostage-prisoner exchanges.
Hamas delays hostage releases, cites Israeli violations
On Monday, Hamas‘s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced a postponement of the next scheduled hostage release, citing Israeli non-compliance with the agreement, including aid provisions and the deaths of three Gazans.
Hamas stated that it provided a five-day notice to allow mediators to pressure Israel into fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire.
Israel responded that its military was preparing for “any possible scenario” following Hamas’ announcement.
Trump increases pressure, calls for cease-fire end
Tensions escalated further when U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would call for an end to the cease-fire if all Israeli hostages were not freed by noon on Saturday. Trump also previously suggested a controversial plan to relocate Gaza‘s population.
Israeli opposition blames Netanyahu for stalled talks
In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the delay in the prisoner exchange. Lapid accused Netanyahu of sabotaging negotiations by avoiding a transition to the next phase of the cease-fire agreement.
Families of Israeli hostages echoed these concerns, holding Netanyahu accountable for the delay. Danny Algert, whose brother Itzik is among the hostages, accused Netanyahu of undermining the deal and stalling second-phase negotiations, ultimately leading Hamas to halt further releases.
Outlook and ongoing negotiations
Hamas justified the suspension of the hostage exchange by claiming that Israel was not honoring its obligations under the cease-fire, including the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded to Trump’s remarks, stating, “Trump must remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties, and this is the only way to bring back the prisoners. The language of threats has no value and only complicates matters.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi urged on Tuesday the reconstruction of Gaza “without displacing Palestinians,” after Trump said he could “conceivably” halt aid to Egypt and Jordan if they refuse to take in Gazans.
During a phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Sissi “stressed the necessity of starting the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip… without displacing Palestinians and in a way that ensures the preservation of their rights… to live on their land”, according to a statement from his office.
