The Palestinian Hamas movement has agreed with Egyptian mediators to continue its agreement with Israel on Gaza, including a ceasefire and hostage release, backed by humanitarian aid and fuel.
The Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news organisation reported that the deal will be implemented in its original form. To continue the deal, Israel and Hamas agreed that humanitarian aid and fuel will be sent to the Gaza Strip. The deliveries will begin on Thursday, after which Hamas intends to release three hostages on Saturday. This is a key element of the agreement between the parties.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his state will resume hostilities in the Gaza Strip if the Palestinian movement Hamas does not release the hostages by noon on February 15.
Abu Ubeida, a spokesman for the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement, said that the movement decided to postpone the release of the hostages scheduled for Saturday because of Israel’s “failure to honour the agreement.”
Meanwhile, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has accepted an invitation to visit Israel and Palestine. The visit will take place on February 13-14.
According to her office, Metsola will emphasise Europe’s willingness to engage constructively to maintain the current ceasefire and hostage exchange. She is expected to re-emphasise the EU’s commitment to humanitarian aid and call on the world community to increase its support for the Gaza Strip.
