Hamas cites technical issues for delay in ceasefire captive list

Hamas has cited "technical and field reasons" for the delay in providing a list of captives it plans to release under the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. 

The Palestinian group made the statement on Telegram, reaffirming its commitment to the truce despite the postponement of its implementation.

The delay has temporarily stalled the ceasefire, which was scheduled to begin at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the ceasefire would not commence until Hamas delivers the promised list of abductees, as per the agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

The ceasefire deal comes amid one of the most devastating conflicts between Israel and Hamas. The hostilities, which erupted on October 7, have led to significant casualties on both sides. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, with hundreds taken hostage during Hamas's assault, while Gaza has faced relentless Israeli airstrikes, leaving more than 14,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials.

The agreement includes a four-day pause in fighting, during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian women and minors detained in Israeli prisons. Humanitarian aid is also expected to flow into Gaza during the truce, addressing the critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies caused by Israel's blockade.

The truce negotiations have been fraught with difficulties, reflecting the deep mistrust between the two sides. Qatar, a key mediator, is reportedly urging Hamas to resolve the delay and uphold its commitments. Al Jazeera’s Stefanie Dekker, reporting from Amman, stated, “It would be very difficult to see how the ceasefire, particularly in its first phase, does not go ahead given the intense international pressure.”

The delay in the captive list underscores the logistical and political challenges involved in implementing the ceasefire. However, both Hamas and Israel face mounting international and regional pressure to adhere to the agreement, which could provide a much-needed humanitarian reprieve for civilians on both sides.

Source: Al Jazeera