The terrorist group also responded to comments made by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, after he warned that all “hell [will] break out” if the hostages aren’t released.
Trump, speaking to reporters Monday night, said that while Israel would ultimately decide its response, his position was clear: "As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday 12 o'clock – I think it's an appropriate time – I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out."
Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri criticized Trump’s statement, arguing that threats would not aid negotiations. "The language of threats has no value and further complicates matters," he said, adding that "there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties and this is the only way to return the prisoners," per the Daily Mail.
As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a cessation of hostilities. However, the group claimed recent Israeli military actions in Gaza and a lack of sufficient aid justified delaying the scheduled releases.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called the delay a "complete violation" of the agreement and warned that Israel’s military would be placed on its "highest level of readiness," according to The Washington Post.
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