Hamas has stated their commitment to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza with Israel. Holding Israel responsible for any delays, Hamas once again rejected Donald Trump’s remarks about the displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza under the pretext of rebuilding the region. The comments by President Trump were described as a “racist and ethnic cleansing call made to liquidate the Palestinian cause and deny the Palestinians’ fixed national rights.” The statement affirmed that “the plan to expel our people from Gaza will not succeed.” Plans to exile the Palestinian people will be met with unity from the Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic world. The statement emphasized that “our esteemed people in Gaza have steadfastly stood against bombardment and aggression and will remain rooted in their own lands. All plans for displacement and forced migration will fail. The occupying Israel, having not succeeded with attacks and massacres, will also fail with liquidation and displacement schemes.”

The statement also stressed Hamas’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, stating that “the responsibility lies with the occupying Israel, and Israel is responsible for any confusion or delay.” President Trump’s meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah had included Trump stating they would take over Gaza and have it under U.S. control, while Abdullah mentioned discussions among Arab countries, primarily Egypt and Saudi Arabia, regarding the process and the need to await the outcome of these talks.

On February 10th, a spokesperson for the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubeyde, announced the suspension of the February 15th prisoner exchange due to Israel’s failure to fulfill its commitments in the ceasefire agreement. Hamas clarified that the suspension decision was made five days before the prisoner exchange to provide a chance to pressure Israel through intermediary countries to adhere to ceasefire terms. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned, “If Hamas does not release our prisoners by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and Israel will resume intense attacks until Hamas is ultimately defeated.”