Hamas says ‘not interested’ in collapse of Gaza ceasefire as Israel threatens war resumption

CAIRO – 13 February 2025: Hamas stated that it is “not interested” in the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as Israel threatens to resume war if the movement fails to release three more captives by Saturday.

"We are not interested in the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip; we are committed to its full implementation and ensuring that the occupation adheres to it completely," said spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou on Thursday.

Hamas on Monday said 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.

Al-Qanou said the mediators are exerting pressure to ensure the complete execution of the agreement and to compel Israel to adhere to the humanitarian protocol, as well as to resume the exchange process on Saturday.

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.

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.

Al-Qanou said the Hamas delegation in Cairo is working to address the obstacles imposed by Israel and to discuss ways to fully implement the ceasefire agreement.

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 #Palestine #MiddleEast #Israel #GAZA | #تحيا_مصر #مصر #فلسطين #إسرائيل #غزة… pic.twitter.com/3fFwZLHvwP

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

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.”

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.

Netanyahu warned that the Israeli army will resume “intense fighting” in Gaza “until Hamas is decisively defeated” in case the captives were not released.

According to recent Israeli reports, Israel has reportedly sent a message to Hamas through Egypt and Qatar, the Arab countries mediating the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, stating that the ceasefire can continue if only three captives are released by next Saturday.

Al-Qanou denounced the US-Israeli threats, stressing that “the language of threats and warnings used by Trump and Netanyahu does not contribute to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.”