Hamas Cynically Delays Hostage Release, Exploiting Ceasefire for Leverage

Following Hamas’ announcement delaying the return of hostages scheduled for this coming Saturday and the immediate suspension of the hostage deal, Israel’s cabinet convened for an emergency session today (Tuesday) to determine its response. The meeting includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister, senior ministers, and top security officials.

Hamas claimed the move was a reaction to alleged Israeli violations of the agreement, particularly regarding displaced persons’ movement and the level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Additionally, the terror organization is demanding retroactive compensation from Israel for these so-called violations.

Israeli officials categorically denied any violations on their part, instead stating that Hamas itself had repeatedly breached the agreement—such as moving through unauthorized areas against agreed-upon protocols and allowing Gazans to approach IDF forces or the perimeter zone near the Israeli border, both of which directly contradict the ceasefire terms.

Trump’s Ultimatum

Israel’s initial response to Hamas’ brazen move came immediately from Defense Minister Israel Katz, though it did not include explicit military commitments: “This is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage deal. I have instructed the IDF to remain on the highest alert level for any possible scenario in Gaza and to ensure the protection of Israeli communities. We will not return to the reality of October 7.”

Later that night, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an even stronger response. His controversial post-war vision for Gaza has already sparked debate across the Arab world, and his latest remarks only intensified tensions: “Israel has the ability to overcome this and reject Hamas’ ultimatum—it is up to them.” Trump then went a step further, issuing his own ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the return of all hostages by this Saturday: “If all hostages are not returned by 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday—and I think that’s a reasonable deadline—I would tell Israel to cancel the ceasefire and let hell break loose.”

Many in Israel expressed strong support for Trump’s stance, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who tweeted: “All of them, now!” — referencing the widespread slogan heard at hostage-release demonstrations across Israel. Smotrich later proposed an additional measure to pressure Hamas: “For every hostage harmed, Israel should immediately apply sovereignty over 5% of Gaza’s territory.”

Context: Signs of Life and Confirmation of Deaths

The cabinet meeting is taking place amid several reports from Gaza this morning, including the first ‘sign of life’ from kidnapped twins Ziv and Gali Bereman from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. At the same time, there was confirmation of the death of Shlomo Mansour, the oldest hostage, who was murdered on October 7 after being abducted from his home in Kibbutz Kissufim.

Currently, 76 hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 confirmed dead. Under the first phase of the current hostage deal, 17 hostages were scheduled to be returned to Israel over the next two and a half weeks—nine alive (including Sasha Troponov, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed) and eight deceased (including Shlomo Mansour).