Hamas agrees to release hostages as planned fearing ceasefire collapse
What's the story
Hamas has announced that it will release Israeli hostages as scheduled after "positive" negotiations with mediators following a brief disagreement with Israel over the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The group had postponed the release of more hostages this weekend, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire.
In response, Israel had threatened to resume its offensive if the hostages weren't released, while US President Donald Trump that warned that all "hell will break loose" if the hostages weren't returned.
Statement
Talks were characterized by a positive spirit: Hamas
"Hamas confirms its continued position to implement the deal according to what was signed, which includes exchanging prisoners according to the specified timetable," a new statement by the terror group said.
"The talks were characterized by a positive spirit," the statement said, adding that Egypt and Qatar confirmed their commitment to "remove obstacles and fill gaps."
The group indicated that three more Israeli hostages would be freed on Saturday.
Ceasefire details
Ceasefire agreement and hostage release progress
Whether Hamas's announcement will be sufficient to mend the dispute with Israel is unknown yet.
The ceasefire, which started on January 19, has temporarily paused a 16-month-long conflict in Gaza.
Under the first phase of this deal, Hamas is due to release 33 Israeli hostages captured during an attack on October 7, 2023.
So far, 21 hostages have been released under this deal, including last week's release of three Israeli men on health grounds after months of captivity.
Upcoming talks
Future negotiations and Trump's Gaza proposal
The first phase is supposed to end in early March, but there haven't been any substantive talks about the second part yet.
In the second phase, Hamas would free dozens of hostages in exchange for ending the war.
However, these negotiations have been complicated by Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians and have the US take control of Gaza.
During a meeting with Jordan's king, Trump reiterated his plan for over two million Gazans to relocate for a "better, safer future."
Threat
Hamas accused Israel of breaking ceasefire agreement
Hamas said earlier this week that Israel had broken the cease-fire agreement by shooting at civilians, preventing humanitarian aid from entering the enclave, and impeding Palestinians' access to northern Gaza.
The hostages will "remain in place until the occupying entity complies with past obligations and compensates retroactively," Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing.
The announcement had raised fears that the ceasefire agreement will not hold.