Hamas accuses Israel of delaying commitments in Gaza truce agreement

Hamas has accused Israel of continuing to delay its commitments under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, particularly regarding the names of hostages to be released as part of the fifth phase of the deal. 

Sources have told foreign media that the delay is seen as a message from Hamas to Israel and the mediation parties involved, Caliber.Az reports.

The sources explained that Hamas has informed mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, that Israel has not adhered to the agreed humanitarian protocol. This includes the failure to allow the entry of mobile homes, tents, and essential equipment for clearing rubble, rebuilding hospitals, and supplying fuel. These delays, according to Hamas, are exacerbating the suffering of civilians and displaced persons, especially amid harsh winter conditions.

Hamas has called on Egypt and Qatar to intervene and apply pressure on Israel to ensure the implementation of the agreement, as Israel continues to postpone fulfilling its obligations.

The three-phase truce agreement initially outlined a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas. The first phase, lasting six weeks, involves the release of 33 prisoners from Gaza (excluding Thai nationals) in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian detainees.

The deal also includes the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which encompasses food, medicines, 200,000 tents, 60,000 caravans, materials for hospital and water station repairs, the operation of bakeries, and the import of fuel and heavy machinery to clear rubble and retrieve bodies.

The second round of negotiations focused on achieving a permanent ceasefire without the resumption of hostilities, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, and an agreement on the criteria for the release of additional Palestinian prisoners.

By Aghakazim Guliyev