Hamas has announced it will halt the release of Israeli hostages, citing violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Member of the political bureau of Hamas and former health minister Dr Basem Naim told Newstalk Breakfast that Israel has violated the ceasefire through “continual” shootings against Palestinian citizens.

“We are talking about at least 20 [or] 25 people were killed and dozens wounded,” he said.

“We are talking about delaying the return of Palestinians displaced from their homes [by] at least two days.

“Despite that, Hamas have done all its obligations according to the deal.”

Israeli Ofer Kalderon waves before being handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas fighters in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 1, 2025. Photo/Abdel Kareem

Dr Naim said that “basic humanitarian elements” of the deal such as food, medicine and electrical needs have been blocked by Israel.

“Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned back to their houses and homes but they are living in the air in a very cold weather, in a very dire situation,” he said.

“We have discussed these relations on a daily basis with the Israelis through the mediators, but no one is obliging Israel enough to rectify the situation.”

Trump

US President Donald Trump has said that “if the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock... All bets are off and let hell break out”.

Dr Naim said Palestinians are “already living in hell”.

“If he is interested in security and stability, I think two things have to be done,” he said.

“This deal has to be completed so that we can reach a permanent ceasefire, a total withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the Gaza strip to rebuild the Gaza strip again and to make a serious prisoner exchange.

“The root of all these problems is the existence of the occupation.”

An aerial photograph taken by a drone shows the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Image: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi. 24 January 2025

According to Dr Naim, Hamas is “working hard not to go back to war”.

“I think we have, since Monday up to Saturday, five days for the mediators – including the United States – to rectify the situation and to de-escalate the situation by pressuring Israel to fulfil its obligation according to the deal,” he said.

“To allow all the needs to get into Gaza to help the Palestinians to have the basics to live, this will help to de-escalate the situation”.

Dr Naim said Hamas is “committed to the deal”.

Main image: Hamas fighters deploy at the stage where the hand over of American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel, 65, to the Red Cross will take place in Gaza City, Saturday Feb.1, 2025.(AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)