Hamas said on Saturday that the United States, a mediator in the Gaza truce deal, must ensure that “Israel” abides by the agreement to secure the release of captives still held in Gaza.

 

"The United States must compel the occupation to adhere to the agreement if it truly cares about the [captives’] lives," said Hazem Qassem, a spokesperson for Hamas, in a statement issued after Hamas freed three captives earlier in the day.

 

The ceasefire has been under massive strain since US President Donald Trump proposed a takeover of Gaza under which the Strip's population of more than two million people would be moved to Egypt or Jordan.

 

Trump also issued a deadline to Hamas to release all the captives held by Hamas.

 

“[Israel must decide] “what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

 

“The United States will back the decision they make!” he added.