Hamas and Israel Exert Pressure on Each Other Ahead of the Fifth Hostage Release

8th February 2025

2 minutes read

Hamas and Israel Exert Pressure on Each Other Ahead of the Fifth Hostage Release

Israel has conditioned the dispatch of its negotiating delegation to the Qatari capital, Doha, on Hamas releasing a new batch of Israeli hostages from Gaza.

However, Israel has not committed to linking the delegation’s visit to the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel acknowledges that the postponement of negotiations on this second phase, originally scheduled for last Monday, led Hamas to delay submitting the list of three Israeli hostages set to be released tomorrow, Saturday.

Following Tel Aviv’s announcement of sending its delegation, Hamas responded by releasing the names of the three hostages, stating that it intends to free Eliyahu Datson Yosef Sharabi, Or Abraham Lisha Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami.

After Hamas’ announcement, the Palestinian Prisoners Information Office stated that, as part of the first phase of the exchange deal, 18 prisoners serving life sentences, 54 prisoners with long-term sentences, and 111 prisoners from Gaza arrested after October 7 would be released tomorrow, Saturday.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported: “An Israeli negotiating delegation will head to Qatar tomorrow after the latest hostage release, to continue talks on the next phases of the deal.”

It cited an Israeli source claiming that “Hamas was stalling in delivering the names of the three hostages set for release tomorrow”, before Hamas eventually made the announcement.

However, Israel’s Channel 12 News estimated that “Hamas will submit the list of Gaza prisoners set for release tomorrow, Saturday, within hours.”

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority also noted that “Hamas continues to pressure Israel to implement what it calls the ‘humanitarian protocol’.”

Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanou stated in a press release: “We are committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement to protect the interests of our people.”

However, he added: “The occupation continues to delay the implementation of the humanitarian protocol, particularly regarding shelter, tents, debris removal equipment, fuel, and reconstruction needs.”

He concluded: “We have urged mediators to intensify their efforts and pressure the occupation to comply with the humanitarian protocol.”