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.
![Gila Isaacson Gila Isaacson](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=128,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2024/12/11/7939a1d0-b7d2-11ef-a276-eba2a135109a__h460_w443.jpeg)
![Displaced Palestinians make their way back to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip via Salah al-Din Road on January 28, 2025](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=30,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/01/29/46282670-de49-11ef-8104-edda4fefae5f__h2976_w4464.jpg)
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.
Unmissable content
0 Comments
![Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Lindsey Graham.](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/ab758980-ed78-11ef-b4ae-6b34cecaeb02__h3015_w5003.jpg)
Escalation or Deescalation?
Lindsey Graham: Military strike best way to stop Iran nuclear program
The disgusting move made behind Israel's' back
Bombshell - Mediators' secret plan to delay hostage release uncovered
![Gazans in Khan Yunis. Gazans in Khan Yunis.](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/ed80e3c0-ed6d-11ef-b4ae-6b34cecaeb02__h2000_w3000.jpg)
Voluntary Transfer
Trump's Gaza plan: "Hundreds of thousands" will want to leave, per Israeli assessment
![Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2024/12/29/facfbaa0-c5cd-11ef-b0ed-19b0bf435292__h3498_w5247.jpg)
Horiffic threats "Maybe he will return dead"
UNCOVERED: Shocking death plot against Israeli Foreign Minister revealed days before Belgium visit
![Emily Damari visiting the Western Wall Emily Damari visiting the Western Wall](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/2df53b90-ed69-11ef-8920-8dddeba15fcf__h1600_w1201.jpg)
The survivor’s prayer at the western wall that will leave you speechless
WATCH: Released hostage visits the Western Wall after 471 days in Hamas captivity
![IDF operating in Gaza IDF operating in Gaza](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/45669d00-ed64-11ef-b4ae-6b34cecaeb02__h1066_w1600.jpg)
A collection of epic photos of our heroes in Gaza
After 15 Months - IDF implements strategic command change in northern Gaza, What comes next?
![Yair Horn is finally free Yair Horn is finally free](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/15093e80-ed62-11ef-b4ae-6b34cecaeb02__h3414_w5120.jpeg)
Hard to watch
WATCH: Freed Hamas hostage Yair Horn bursts into tears, "I want my brother back"
![Palestinians in Gaza receiving aid. Palestinians in Gaza receiving aid.](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/328ac2e0-ed61-11ef-b4ae-6b34cecaeb02__h2000_w3000.jpg)
Trump Plan Moving Ahead
Trump plan: Israel Katz establishes administration to help Gazans to voluntarily relocate
![Agam Berger with her parents Agam Berger with her parents](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/01/30/0db949f0-def7-11ef-8104-edda4fefae5f__h1028_w1542.jpeg)
"Together we are strong"
Agam Berger's call for unity: "When they saw our division, it made them happy"
![Yarden Bibas on his way back to israel Yarden Bibas on his way back to israel](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/ca830e70-ed5e-11ef-b4ae-6b34cecaeb02__h331_w650.webp)
Just let them be ok
Freed hostage Yarden Bibas insists: "Shiri, Ariel and Kfir are alive"
![Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during phone call Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during phone call](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/b217dd50-ed5b-11ef-8920-8dddeba15fcf__h640_w960.webp)
The Secret Military Phone Netanyahu Used During a Court Break
Exposed: Inside the encrypted cell phone Netanyahu used moments before a major Hamas assassination
![Snow in Jerusalem Snow in Jerusalem](https://images.jfeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://images.jfeed.com/2025/02/17/76962850-ed55-11ef-8920-8dddeba15fcf__h5225_w7833.jpg)
Weather Warning: Snow at 600 Meters - Jerusalem Braces for Snow