Qatar: Following Delay, Hostages to Be Exchanged Tonight
Following Hamas announcement that it will delay the release of the hostages, due to failure on the Israeli side to adhere to the terms of the agreement, Qatar announced that the hostages will be released.
“Following the Qatari and Egyptian communication with both sides, 39 Palestinians will be released tonight in exchange for 13 of those held captive in Gaza in addition to 7 outside the framework of the agreement,” announced the spokesman of Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.
The Qassam Brigades, Hamas‘ military wing, announced a delay in releasing the Israeli hostages. This decision stems from Israel’s alleged failure to adhere to the terms of the recent hostage exchange deal.
The deal, mediated by Qatar, was to span four days, starting last Friday.
Reasons for Delay
Hamas attributes the delay to Israel not fulfilling specific agreement terms. These include not allowing relief trucks into northern Gaza and not adhering to agreed prisoner release standards.
Qatar’s Mediation Efforts
Sources from Hamas said that Qatar is exerting all efforts to prevent the agreement from collapsing.
Thus, it has been urging Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, fuel and gas into Gaza.
Moreover, a Qatari delegation’s visit to Israel aims to extend the truce and ensure smooth prisoner exchanges.
Related Topics
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Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza: Israel Announces Progress in Hostage Exchange
