Published: 10:06, February 13, 2025 | Updated: 19:22, February 13, 2025
Hamas says to implement Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel as agreed
By Xinhua
A young boy walks amid the devastation in Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip on Feb 12, 2025. (PHOTO / AFP)

 

GAZA - Hamas confirmed on Thursday that it would continue implementing the ceasefire agreement with Israel as signed, including the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages according to the agreed timetable.

In a statement, Hamas said its delegation had held talks in Cairo with mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner-for-hostage exchange, especially in the wake of what it described as "the successive Israeli violations" of the deal.

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The discussion focused on the necessity of implementing all provisions of the agreement, especially with regard to securing housing for Gazans and the urgent entry of prefabricated houses, tents, heavy equipment, medical supplies, fuel, and the continued flow of relief, as well as other things as stipulated in the agreement, it said.

The statement added that mediators from Egypt and Qatar had confirmed their commitment to addressing obstacles and closing gaps to ensure implementation.

Palestinians walk past a pile of burning garbage, as there is no refuse collection in the city and people are disposing of their rubbish in the streets, in Gaza City, Feb 12, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)

Hamas announced on Monday that the handover of the hostages who were scheduled to be released on Saturday would be postponed until further notice.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that his country would resume "intense fighting" if Hamas fails to meet the deadline, without specifying the number of hostages to be released.

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Hamas' decision prompted US President Donald Trump to suggest that Israel cancel the agreement entirely, saying all hostages must be freed by noon on Saturday or he would "let hell break out."