Translated by Menna Majd
In a recent development, the armed wing of Hamas, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam brigades, has declared a postponement in the handover of a second group of hostages. This delay, they say, is contingent on Israel’s adherence to the terms laid out in the temporary ceasefire agreement, as reported by Agence France- Presse.
The issues at the heart of this delay include concerns raised by the brigades regarding the entry of aid into northern Gaza and the selection criteria for Palestinians currently held in Israeli prisons. According to a Hamas source speaking to AFP, the handover process had initially commenced with 14 hostages being transferred to the Red Cross, but the proceedings were abruptly halted.
On the other side of the narrative, an Israeli official vehemently denies any violation of the agreement. The official, speaking to AFP, asserted, “Israel has not violated the agreement,” rebutting claims that the hostages had been handed over to the Red Cross.
As tensions persist, the situation remains fluid, and both parties are closely monitored for any developments in this delicate exchange.
Source: The Guardian
