Hamas Calls for Global Pressure on Israel to Maintain Ceasefire

Hamas urged the international community on Monday to compel Israel to fulfill its ceasefire obligations in Gaza, as the Palestinian group works to complete the transfer of Israeli hostages’ remains amid significant logistical challenges.

“Hamas abides by all details of the ceasefire in Gaza, especially in the first phase by handing over all living captives at once,” said Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem in an official statement released via the group’s Telegram channel.

The statement comes as part of ongoing efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, brokered under a phased plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the agreement, Hamas has already released 20 living Israeli hostages and transferred the remains of 13 others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Qassem explained that Hamas continues to face “major challenges” in completing the handover process, primarily due to the extensive destruction across Gaza. “We are working daily to complete the handover of all the remains of the Israeli captives,” he said, highlighting the difficulties in recovering bodies from damaged areas.

The spokesperson pointed to specific obstacles hampering recovery efforts. “One of the main obstacles we face in delivering the remains is the absence of heavy machinery needed to remove the rubble,” Qassem noted, adding that Hamas has communicated these challenges to mediators involved in the ceasefire process.

In a serious accusation that could further complicate peace efforts, Qassem claimed Israel had deliberately targeted areas where hostages were being held during earlier military operations. This allegation, if substantiated, would represent a significant violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits actions that knowingly endanger captives.

The current ceasefire represents one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in the conflict since hostilities intensified. The exchange of prisoners and hostages has been a central component of the agreement, reflecting the importance both sides place on the return of their citizens and fighters.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to allow for critical aid deliveries and recovery operations in Gaza, where infrastructure has been severely damaged by months of conflict. The United Nations estimates that over 70% of Gaza’s buildings have sustained some level of damage, making recovery operations particularly challenging.

The implementation of the ceasefire agreement has faced numerous hurdles, with both sides accusing each other of violations. International mediators, including representatives from Egypt and Qatar, continue to work with both parties to maintain the fragile peace.

Analysts note that the process of recovering remains is particularly sensitive and complex in conflict zones. Beyond the logistical challenges cited by Hamas, there are also issues of verification, identification, and dignified treatment of remains that must be addressed according to international protocols.

The successful completion of this phase of the agreement could potentially pave the way for more comprehensive peace talks. However, fundamental disagreements about long-term security arrangements, border controls, and governance in Gaza remain significant obstacles to a lasting resolution.

Regional observers emphasize that international pressure will be crucial in ensuring both parties adhere to the ceasefire terms. The United States, European Union, and regional powers have all called for strict compliance with the agreement as a necessary step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reducing tensions in the broader Middle East.

As mediators continue their efforts, the focus remains on securing the full implementation of the current agreement before potentially expanding discussions to address longer-term issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.