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HOSTAGES IN LIMBO: Hamas claims Israel is delaying aid, which might derail tomorrow's hostage release

Hamas claims Israeli aid delays could derail tomorrow's release of Arbel Yehud and Agam Berger. Middle East envoy Steve Whitkoff races between Riyadh, Gaza, and Jerusalem, carrying a controversial American proposal that could reshape the region's future while Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from all sides.

Displaced Palestinians make their way back to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip via Salah al-Din Road on January 28, 2025
Photo by Ali Hassan/Flash90

The delicate dance of hostage releases in Gaza faces fresh complications as Hamas claims Israeli delays in humanitarian aid could impact tomorrow's planned release of three captives, including Arbel Yehud and Agam Berger. Israeli officials swiftly dismissed these allegations as "fake news," highlighting the fragile nature of the ongoing negotiations.

The timing of Hamas's accusations is noteworthy, coming just as Israel awaits the crucial list of hostages to be freed in Thursday's exchange. Sources in Israel suggest Keith Siegel may be the third hostage slated for release, though confirmation awaits Hamas's official list.

Behind the scenes, a larger diplomatic chess game is unfolding. Steve Whitkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, has embarked on an ambitious shuttle diplomacy mission, moving from Saudi Arabia to Gaza and now to Israel. His arrival coincides with revelations from Qatar's Al-Arabi Al-Jadid about a previously undisclosed agreement with Netanyahu regarding Gaza's reconstruction - specifically, a plan to delay northern Gaza's rehabilitation until security arrangements for Israeli border communities are finalized.

Perhaps most significantly, regional powers are mounting resistance to Trump's controversial plan for Gaza's population. Egypt and Jordan, designated as potential hosts for displaced Palestinians under Trump's proposal, are reportedly coordinating with Saudi Arabia to convene an emergency Arab League session. This unprecedented move signals growing regional anxiety about forced population transfers and could reshape the diplomatic landscape.

The situation on the ground reflects these tensions. The Netzarim checkpoint has become a bottleneck, processing just 50 vehicles per hour as Gaza's residents attempt to move northward. This slow pace of civilian movement stands in stark contrast to the urgency of diplomatic developments.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent conversations with Egyptian and Jordanian officials notably sidestepped direct discussion of Trump's resettlement plan, focusing instead on the broader goal of preventing Hamas from regaining control in Gaza. This diplomatic tap dance underscores the complex balancing act facing U.S. policy in the region.

As Thursday's hostage release approaches, the convergence of humanitarian concerns, diplomatic maneuvering, and regional resistance to population transfers creates a volatile mix that could either strengthen or undermine the fragile progress made so far. The next 24 hours may prove crucial in determining which direction this delicate process will take.

Ynet contributed to this article.

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