As we wrote earlier, Hamas appeared to gum up the works on a second release of hostages for prisoners held by Israel on Saturday, by insisting that Israel had broken the ceasefire deal on "multiple" issues -- "including that not enough aid trucks were allowed to enter Northern Gaza." RedState's Bonchie's piece continued:
Of note is that such a condition was not part of the deal, which means Hamas is actively breaking the agreement. Also of note is that aid trucks were allowed to enter Northern Gaza some hours prior to this news.
Israel didn't let that lie, of course, throwing out this ultimatum on what would happen next for Hamas without a release:
Israel sends a message to Hamas: If the second group of hostages are not released by midnight (Israel time), the ground operation in Gaza will resume.
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) November 25, 2023
Multiple outlets, though, are now reporting that it's back on Saturday. This came through Israel's KANN News:
Update: 🇮🇱🔄🇵🇸
— زماں (@Delhiite_) November 25, 2023
Qatari Foreign Ministry: 39 Palestinian civilians will be released tonight in exchange for the release of 13 detainees.
via AP:
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas agreed to release 13 Israelis and seven foreigners late Saturday in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, Qatari and Egyptian mediators said, after the militant group delayed the second round of swaps for several hours and claimed that Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal.[...]
....But Egypt, Qatar and Hamas itself later said obstacles had been overcome, and Hamas issued a statement listing six women and 33 boys and teenagers it said were expected to be released by the Israelis.
As this is a developing story, RedState will provide updates as more details are released.
Related stories:
WATCH: Fearful Release by Hamas, Then Joyful Welcome Home of Israeli Hostages by Their Families
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