REVEALED: Who is really behind Hamas' refusal to release hostages? The leader pulling all the strings

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida announced that the scheduled release of hostages, which was set for Saturday, would be postponed indefinitely. He blamed Israel for failing to uphold its end of the ceasefire agreement, a move that has cast doubt on the already fragile truce between the two sides.

The announcement came after a key meeting between Hamas leaders and Iranian officials in Tehran, including a visit by Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader in Gaza. This visit, coupled with the postponement of the hostages' release, has prompted social media users to link the two events, with many speculating that Khamenei is pulling the strings behind Hamas's decision. Iranian influence over Hamas has long been a source of concern for Israel and the international community, as Tehran has been a staunch supporter of the Gaza-based group, providing financial and military backing for its operations.

The timing of this development is particularly significant given the increasing pressure from the U.S. to address the situation in Gaza. President Donald Trump has proposed a plan to take control of the Gaza Strip, raising concerns in the region about possible forced displacement of Palestinian civilians and the shifting balance of power. Trump's plan, which includes the rebuilding of Gaza with U.S. investment and the relocation of its Palestinian population, has alarmed Hamas, which views the potential loss of control over Gaza as a serious threat to its authority.

Khamenei's reported influence over Hamas's decision to stall the hostage deal can be seen as part of a broader strategy to maintain Iranian control over the situation and resist foreign intervention. By pushing for the delay, Khamenei and Hamas may be attempting to assert their power and prevent any potential U.S. or Israeli action in Gaza. As Israel faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts, including the internal security situation in Gaza and the external threat posed by Iran, the geopolitical stakes in this ongoing conflict remain incredibly high.

The failure to release hostages, coupled with the tensions surrounding Trump's Gaza plan, illustrates the volatile nature of the region. As the ceasefire hangs by a thread, the international community watches closely to see how these developments will unfold and whether Khamenei’s influence will continue to shape the trajectory of the conflict.