Hamas announced Thursday that it will continue to release hostages in accordance with the terms of a ceasefire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. This comes after Hamas accused Israel of breaking the agreement, and delayed the next scheduled hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners. According to the terms of the agreement between Israel and Hamas – a terrorist group that is both U.S. and Israeli designated – the exchange of hostages is scheduled for Saturday. This will include the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners and three more Israelis.

Hamas confirmed in a press release that it would continue to implement the agreement according to what was agreed, including exchanging prisoners in accordance with the timetable specified.

Hamas has said that it spoke to negotiators from Egypt and Qatar regarding “the necessity to adhere to all terms” in the agreement reached with Israel. This includes “securing housing and urgently bringing caravans, tents and heavy equipment in, along with medical supplies, fuel and continuing to flow humanitarian aid as stipulated by the agreement.”

Israel and Hamas both accused the other of breaking the agreement, but the agreement remained in place, stopping the 15-month Gaza war sparked by Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

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Israel Defense Forces announced Thursday that they had detected a launch of a rocket from Gaza. However, the weapon was found in the Palestinian territories. The IDF also stated that it “remains committed to fully implement the conditions of agreement for the release of hostages.”

The IDF stated that it “struck the launcher which was identified as the source of the rocket launch in Gaza Strip” but did not provide any further information. Hamas leaders in Gaza did not immediately comment on the rocket launch.

Hamas claimed that Israel violated the ceasefire agreement on Monday by refusing to allow the full amount agreed to be sent into Gaza, and firing at Palestinians who were trying to return home to the devastated Palestinian territory. At the time, it said that the three next hostages would not be released on Saturday as stipulated in the agreement.

Israel responded quickly by saying that it would resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas did not release the hostages.

The President went on to say that Hamas must release all the remaining Israelis hostages – almost 80, although some of them are known to be dead – by Saturday or else “all hell will break loose”. Israel did not explicitly support this suggested change to the ceasefire conditions.

Mr. Trump also drew a strong backlash from regional allies and partners around the world after suggesting a plan for Gaza’s approximately 2.3 million Palestinian residents to be relocated to other countries and that the U.S. “take over” and turn the territory into a real-estate development.

CBS News’ Gaza team reported that the Israeli military had allowed 150 aid trucks with tents into the enclave over night on Wednesday. It also said it would allow mobile caravans as housing.

The second phase of this deal has begun. If agreed upon, it would result in the release of even more Hamas hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. According to the terms of this agreement, 33 Israeli hostages will be released over the next six weeks in exchange for thousands Palestinian prisoners. So far, 21 prisoners have been released, including American and Israeli dual national Keith Siegel.

Antonio Guterres of the United Nations, who was one of those who condemned Mr. Trump’s Gaza plan, has urged Hamas that it resume hostage release and “avoid, at all costs,” any return to fighting on the territory.

Israel Katz, Israel’s defense minister, said on Wednesday that if the fighting resumed in Gaza it “would not end until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are released,” adding that this would “also allow the realization of US president Trump’s vision of Gaza.”

Hamas terrorist attack in southern Israel, October 2023 saw 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage. Israel’s war of retaliation against Hamas in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 48,000. This is according to Gaza’s Hamas Health Ministry.

According to independent analyses, the death toll is closer to 64,000.