2 hours ago
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Hamas said Thursday it would release the next group of
Israeli hostages
as planned, apparently resolving a major dispute that threatened the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The militant group said Egyptian and Qatari mediators have affirmed that they will work to "remove all hurdles", and that it would implement the ceasefire deal.
The statement indicated three more Israeli hostages would be freed Saturday. Hamas' move would allow the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to continue for now, but its future remains in doubt. Hamas had threatened to delay the next release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow in tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the truce. Israel, with the support of US President Trump, had threatened to renew its offensive if hostages were not freed.
Hamas said its delegation held talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials and was in contact with Qatar's prime minister about increasing the entry of shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble into Gaza.
Israel warned Thursday that Hamas must release three living hostages or face a resumption of the war. If fighting resumes, defence minister Israel Katz said, "the new Gaza war will not end without the defeat of Hamas and the release of all hostages. It will also allow the realisation of Trump's vision for Gaza."
