Hamas terrorists reversed course after President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to the terror group to release hostages taken in the horrific October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Hamas had threatened to delay the next release of captives, accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow in tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the truce, notes the Associated Press.
However, Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, he also showed support to Israel, which threatened to renew its offensive if hostages were not freed. Shortly after, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou confirmed to The Associated Press by phone that three hostages will be released on Saturday.
Hamas claimed its delegation held talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials and was in contact with Qatar’s prime minister about bringing into Gaza more shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble — its key demand in recent days. It said in a statement that the mediators had pledged to “remove all hurdles.”
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing over 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and violently abducted roughly 250 women, men and children. Thus far, more than half have been released in deals with Hamas or other agreements, eight have been rescued and dozens of bodies have been recovered, seventy-three hostages have not yet been released, around half of whom are believed to be dead, notes the AP. Nearly all the remaining hostages are men, including Israeli soldiers.
According to the AP, “Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV, which is close to the country’s security services, reported that Egypt and Qatar had succeeded in resolving the dispute. The two Arab countries have served as key mediators with Hamas and helped broker the ceasefire, which took effect in January, more than 15 months into the war.
Egyptian media also aired footage showing trucks carrying temporary housing and bulldozers on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing with Gaza. They reported that the trucks were heading to an Israeli inspection area before crossing into Gaza.”
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