Al-Qassam Delays Prisoner Release: A New Crisis for Netanyahu Amid Escalating Tensions
Al-Qassam halts prisoner release over Israeli truce violations, fueling political turmoil in Tel Aviv.
Watan-Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that the resistance has decided to delay the release of the Israeli detainees until the occupation complies with the terms of the agreement. This decision came in response to repeated Israeli violations of the truce, triggering outrage and confusion within Israel, amid threats of a return to military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Tel Aviv in Shock… Netanyahu in a Difficult Position
In a shocking statement to Tel Aviv, Abu Ubaida declared that the resistance will not release more detainees until the occupation retroactively fulfills its obligations from previous weeks, referring to Israel’s failure to adhere to the terms of the first phase of the agreement. This announcement came just 24 hours after Israeli forces withdrew from the Netzarim axis and followed weeks of Israeli violations of the truce, including the bombing of displaced civilians and preventing their return to northern Gaza—despite the agreement brokered by Doha, Cairo, and Washington.
Israeli Shock and Public Outrage
From the very first moment, Israel’s shock was evident. Anger escalated within the Israeli parliament, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rushed to deny any breaches of the agreement, accusing the resistance of undermining the truce. However, public outrage was even stronger, as the families of the detainees expressed their disappointment over the government’s failure to ensure the implementation of the agreement. Meanwhile, pressure mounted on Netanyahu from the far-right to resume military operations in Gaza.
Defense Minister Threatens Escalation, Army on High Alert
Israel’s response was swift. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatened that the army is ready to resume fighting at any moment if the agreement collapses, describing the resistance’s announcement as a “complete violation” of the ceasefire and the prisoner exchange deal. In an escalatory move, he ordered an increase in military readiness, while the Israeli army’s southern command decided to cancel soldiers’ leave and reposition forces in preparation for potential field developments.
Will the War Return to Gaza?
The situation on the ground suggests that the coming days could witness serious escalation, especially as the occupation remains intransigent and refuses to meet its obligations under the agreement. Will Tel Aviv’s threats merely serve as pressure tactics against the resistance, or is Israel truly moving toward resuming its aggression on Gaza? The coming days will be decisive in determining the fate of the truce, which now stands on the brink of collapse.
