UN Chief Urges Hamas to Proceed with Hostage Release Amid Ceasefire Concerns and Tensions

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Hamas to proceed with the planned hostage release, which was postponed indefinitely due to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. Guterres stated on X, 'We must avoid a resumption of hostilities in Gaza at all costs.' Hamas responded to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that such threats complicate matters. Guterres emphasized that both sides must fully respect their commitments under the ceasefire agreement and continue serious negotiations. The call follows Hamas's announcement on Monday that it was delaying the release of three hostages due to Israeli violations. 73 of the 251 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, with 34 reported dead by the Israeli army.