Israel sends message to Hamas as Egypt, Qatar strive to salvage Gaza ceasefire

CAIRO – 13 February 2025: Israel has reportedly sent a message to Hamas through Egypt and Qatar, the Arab countries mediating the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, urging the release of three captives by next Saturday for the ceasefire to continue.

If officially confirmed, this message could end a series of conflicting US-Israeli statements regarding the number of captives needed to be released to avoid the collapse of the landmark agreement.

US President Donald Trump this week threatened Hamas, demanding the release of all captives by Saturday noon or warning that “all hell will break loose.”

Under the ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, Hamas is required to release three captives in the next swap.

Since Trump's statements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also issued conflicting remarks, at one point stating that Hamas must release “all hostages,” then specifying “nine hostages,” and at another moment referring vaguely to “our hostages” that need to be released by Saturday for the ceasefire to persist.

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#Egypt #Africa #MENA https://t.co/iJxq6RDulS

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 12, 2025

The US-Israeli remarks followed an announcement by Hamas on Monday that it plans to delay the releases due to Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including the killing of Palestinians in Gaza.

Hamas also cited Israel's delays in returning displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and obstructing the delivery of essential supplies, including tents, caravans, fuel, and equipment needed to recover bodies.

Additionally, Hamas stated that Israel delayed medical supplies and resources necessary for restoring hospitals and the health sector.

Hamas's announcement came after Trump's comments on the same day that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to Gaza under his so-called plan for the US to take over the enclave and displace residents to Egypt and Jordan.

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Egypt expresses its displeasure with statements made by Israeli and American officials regarding the Palestinian cause, Egyptian sources said on Tuesday, with the US doubling down on its proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip and displace its…

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 12, 2025

Netanyahu warned that the Israeli army would resume “intense fighting” in Gaza “until Hamas is decisively defeated” if the captives are not released as scheduled next Saturday.

Sources cited by media on Wednesday indicated that a list of international organizations has been approved to deliver fuel and medical equipment to the enclave.

However, Israel has not yet approved the delivery of caravans and additional tents, according to these sources.

The ceasefire could get back on track if Israel allows the delivery of the caravans, followed by Hamas announcing on Friday the names of the three captives to be released the next day.

With the future of ceasefire in Gaza seemingly at stake, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya, leading a delegation, has arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials#Egypt #Africa #MENA https://t.co/o6XpBKYml1

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 12, 2025

With the future of the ceasefire in Gaza at stake, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian officials.

Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, inviting mediators to intervene and help bring the agreement back on track.

Reports suggest that Hamas' discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo have “headed toward a breakthrough,” raising hopes for the continuation of the agreement, which aims to end the war in Gaza in its second phase.

Egypt and Qatar are ramping up their diplomatic initiatives in an effort to save the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Al Qahera News quoted a well-informed source as saying on Wednesday#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/oDn1kQ5NeB

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 12, 2025

Egypt and Qatar are ramping up their diplomatic initiatives in an effort to save the ceasefire agreement, Al Qahera News quoted a well-informed source as saying on Wednesday.

The source cited increasing US and Israeli pressure to resume military operations in Gaza if captives are not released by Saturday.

He added that the continuation of the ceasefire serves everyone's interests, warning that its collapse would trigger a new wave of violence with serious regional repercussions.

The ceasefire took effect on January 19, halting over 15 months of war that devastated the enclave and killed more than 48,000 Palestinians.

Under the ceasefire, Israel and Hamas have already exchanged a total of 766 Palestinian prisoners and 21 captives—16 Israelis and 5 Thai nationals—through five prisoner swaps, the most recent of which occurred last Saturday.