Ron Ben Yishai
Ynet News, Feb. 10, 2025
“Hamas leaders in Gaza suspect that Israel intends to extend the first phase of the hostage deal, secure the release of more captives and then launch a large-scale military operation across the entire Gaza Strip.”
Hamas’ decision to halt the scheduled hostage release on Saturday appears to be a pressure tactic aimed at pushing Israel into advancing negotiations for the second phase of the hostage deal in exchange for a cease-fire.
The group is likely not looking to collapse the agreement but rather to extract concessions from Israel and the mediators.
Two key signs suggest that Hamas may reverse its decision by Saturday if it secures at least part of its demands:
The first indication is the timing of Hamas’ announcement. By making the dramatic declaration at the start of the week, the group has left ample time for mediators, the U.S. and Israel to engage in negotiations that could ultimately lead Hamas to walk back its decision and proceed with the scheduled hostage release on Saturday. …SOURCE