Sana’a – SABA: Merzah Al-Asal
Following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas does not release all Israeli prisoners by next Saturday, Palestinian sources have revealed that Egypt and Qatar are working *"intensively"* to salvage the ceasefire agreement.
A Palestinian source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday that Qatari and Egyptian mediators are actively working to resolve the crisis surrounding the ceasefire deal in Gaza. This comes after the Israeli occupation authorities threatened to resume military operations if Hamas does not release the Israeli captives by Saturday, by the agreement.
"The mediators are in contact with the American side and are working intensively to resolve the crisis and ensure that Israel adheres to the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance and initiates the second phase of negotiations," the source added.
This development follows Hamas’ announcement that it will not release Israeli prisoners until Israel stops obstructing the agreement, resumes compliance, and allows humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
On Monday evening, Abu Ubaida, the military spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, declared that the release of Israeli prisoners—originally scheduled for next Saturday—has been postponed indefinitely.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu threatened to resume war on Gaza if Hamas does not comply by the deadline.
"If Hamas does not return our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end," Netanyahu stated, adding that "the army will resume intense bombardment until Hamas is decisively defeated."
Netanyahu’s threat echoed Trump’s, who warned of "opening the gates of hell" if Hamas fails to release all Israeli captives by Saturday.
Abu Hamza, spokesperson for Al-Quds Brigades (Saraya Al-Quds), said in a press statement on Wednesday that the fate of Israeli prisoners is directly tied to Netanyahu’s actions—either positively or negatively.
"The Israeli government bears full responsibility for reneging on the ceasefire agreement and continuously violating it," Abu Hamza said, reaffirming that the Palestinian resistance is committed to the ceasefire as long as the enemy adheres to it.
"The events since the start of 'Al-Aqsa Flood' have proven that the only way to secure the return of captives and achieve stability is through a prisoner exchange deal," he emphasized.
He also accused Israel of abandoning its prisoners, leaving them in danger and uncertainty.
Following Abu Hamza’s statements, the Al-Quds Brigades' military media released a video titled "Their Fate is Certainly Tied to Netanyahu’s Actions."
The footage featured former Israeli prisoners who were released through past prisoner exchange deals. The video concluded with a message:
"Gadi Moses, Arbel Yehud, and their comrades were freed only through a prisoner exchange deal… What about the others? Their fate is certainly tied to Netanyahu’s actions."
Earlier today, Yedioth Ahronoth published an analysis by Amos Gilad, a retired major general and former head of Israel's Political-Security Bureau at the Ministry of Defense.
Gilad argued that "there is no alternative to negotiations for the release of prisoners" and warned that Trump’s plan for Gaza has no chance of success.
"Resuming war on Gaza would endanger the hostages' lives," he wrote, urging Israeli leaders to focus on diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation.
Gilad also stressed that Egypt and Jordan see the Palestinian issue as a top-tier national security concern.
During his White House meeting with Trump on Tuesday, Jordan’s King Abdullah II reportedly reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah stated:
"Jordan’s security, stability, and the protection of its people are above all else."
Meanwhile, Jordan’s Prime Minister confirmed today that King Abdullah conveyed Jordan’s firm stance against any forced displacement of Palestinians and is coordinating with Arab states to unify their position on Gaza.
Egypt has also reiterated its rejection of any plans to resettle Gaza’s residents elsewhere.
According to Al-Qahera News, Egyptian sources expressed frustration over statements from Israeli and American officials about the issue.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement emphasizing that Cairo looks forward to working with the U.S. under Trump’s leadership to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace—one that respects the rights of all regional populations.
E.M
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