Gaza City: Hamas has accused Israel of delaying the implementation of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
According to Anadolu Agency, Hamas released a statement claiming that Israel is “procrastinating” in executing the terms of the agreement. The statement highlighted that Israeli authorities have kept Al-Rashid Street closed and are preventing displaced pedestrians from returning from the south to the north of the Gaza Strip. Hamas emphasized that they hold Israel responsible for any delays and potential repercussions on future phases of the agreement.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the agreed-upon ceasefire and prisoner swap. Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas had not fulfilled its part of the deal by failing to release Israeli captive Arbel Yehud. The office noted that Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from Hamas and, in return, will release securi
ty prisoners.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the geopolitical landscape, suggesting that if Donald Trump had been reelected as US president in 2020, the Ukraine crisis that erupted in 2022 might not have occurred. In an interview with the Russian Rossiya 1 TV channel, Putin mentioned that Russia remains open to peace talks concerning the Ukraine war. He stated that Moscow has never rejected contact with the US, but the previous administration chose not to pursue engagement.