Hamas invites mediators to get Gaza ceasefire back on track as Netanyahu threatens war

CAIRO – 12 February 2025: Hamas on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire currently in place with Israel in Gaza, inviting mediators to intervene and bring the agreement back on track.

In statements to the BBC, senior Hamas official Basem Naim blamed Israel for any complications or delays in the ceasefire implementation.

He expressed the movement’s determination to overcome any obstacles and challenges, underscoring their desire to prevent the collapse of the agreement.

Naim also indicated that Hamas is prepared to release captives next Saturday if the situation is rectified through mediation.

Additionally, Hamas reiterated its rejection of US President Donald Trump’s plan regarding taking control of the Gaza Strip, labeling such remarks as "racist."

While meeting with the King of Jordan and a visibly uncomfortable Rubio today, Trump now changes his position from yesterday and says the US is not going to buy Gaza, we are just going to take it: “We’re gonna take it, we’re gonna hold it, we’re gonna cherish it.” pic.twitter.com/5MgH7YHMoW

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 11, 2025

The movement confirmed that it will remain committed to the ceasefire agreement as long as the occupation adheres to it, highlighting that the agreement was reached through mediators and with the acknowledgment of the international community.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to end the ceasefire in Gaza if Hamas does not release Israeli captives by Saturday.

Speaking to media, Netanyahu declared, "If Hamas does not free our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will be void, and the military will resume intense combat until Hamas is completely eliminated."

He added that the Israeli government welcomes Trump’s demand for Hamas to release captives by the set deadline, along with his vision for Gaza’s future post-war.

Netanyahu also revealed that he had ordered the Israeli military to mobilize forces inside and around Gaza. "This process is currently underway and will be completed as soon as possible," he stated.

Netanyahu’s remarks threaten the collapse of the ceasefire that took effect between Hamas and Israel on January 19, halting over 15 months of war that devastated the enclave and killed more than 47,000 Palestinians.

Under the ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US, Israel and Hamas exchanged a total of 766 Palestinian prisoners and 21 captives—16 Israelis and 5 Thai nationals through five prisoner swaps, the last of which was last Saturday.

Hamas postpones the handover of the new Israeli captives whom were scheduled to be released next Saturday, on February 15, until further notice due to Israeli violations and failure to abide by the terms of the Gaza Ceasefire Agreement.#Egypt #Palestine #MiddleEast #Israel… pic.twitter.com/pGmbLf2rtO

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 10, 2025

However, Hamas announced on Monday that it plans to delay the release of three more captives under the ceasefire due to Israel’s failure to meet the terms of the agreement.

Hamas cited Israeli violations, including the delay in returning displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and the shelling that resulted in the deaths of residents.

Additionally, Israel obstructed the delivery of essential supplies, including tents, fuel, and equipment needed to recover bodies, while also delaying medical supplies and resources necessary to restore hospitals and the health sector, the movement added.

Hamas's announcement came after Trump's comments on the same day that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to Gaza under his plan for the US takeover of the enclave.