January 19, 2025: The Israeli military has declared that its operations in Gaza will persist until Hamas, the Iran-backed militant group, delivers the promised list of 33 hostages set to be released.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, confirmed that the planned ceasefire would not commence until the names of the hostages were handed over. "As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligations and, contrary to the agreement, has not provided Israel with the names of the returning female hostages. Until Hamas fulfills its commitments, the ceasefire will not come into effect," he stated in an official briefing.
Originally scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, the truce remains on hold. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced Israel’s stance on Saturday, emphasizing that any delay or breach in the agreement is solely Hamas’s responsibility. "We will not move forward with the agreement until we receive the list of hostages who will be released, as agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement," Netanyahu posted on X.
Hamas, however, attributed the delay to “technical field reasons” and insisted on its commitment to the ceasefire deal announced earlier in the week. The group communicated through The Associated Press that it is working to address the issue.
This latest standoff underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict, as hostilities persist and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The international community continues to urge both sides to adhere to agreements for the sake of peace and civilian safety.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Israel Halts Gaza Ceasefire, Demands Hostage List from Hamas
January 19, 2025: The Israeli military has declared that its operations in Gaza will persist until Hamas, the Iran-backed militant group, delivers the promised list of 33 hostages set to be released.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, confirmed that the planned ceasefire would not commence until the names of the hostages were handed over. "As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligations and, contrary to the agreement, has not provided Israel with the names of the returning female hostages. Until Hamas fulfills its commitments, the ceasefire will not come into effect," he stated in an official briefing.
Originally scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, the truce remains on hold. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced Israel’s stance on Saturday, emphasizing that any delay or breach in the agreement is solely Hamas’s responsibility. "We will not move forward with the agreement until we receive the list of hostages who will be released, as agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement," Netanyahu posted on X.
Hamas, however, attributed the delay to “technical field reasons” and insisted on its commitment to the ceasefire deal announced earlier in the week. The group communicated through The Associated Press that it is working to address the issue.
This latest standoff underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict, as hostilities persist and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The international community continues to urge both sides to adhere to agreements for the sake of peace and civilian safety.