Hamas’ decision to delay the release of hostages was the main talking point on the airwaves last night, with the nation’s talking heads weighing in on the issue.

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What went down? Hamas announced yesterday that it will delay the release of Israeli hostages who were set to be freed on Saturday, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, including delays in allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza and blocking humanitarian aid.

Israel calls it a full breach of the agreement: Israel condemned the move, with Defense Minister Israel Katz directing the military to “prepare for all possible scenarios.” Meanwhile, protests erupted in Tel Aviv as families of hostages demanded action. Kelma Akhira’s Lamees El Hadidi had coverage (watch, runtime: 14:15).

El Hadidi wasn’t surprised by Hamas’ decision, saying that it was expected and driven not only by Israeli violations of the agreement but also by US President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding the displacement of Gazans.

“As absurd as Trump’s statements may sound, they are also terrifying,” political science professor at Al Quds University Ayman Al Raqab told El Hadidi (watch, runtime: 10:21). He stressed that the upcoming emergency Arab summit in Cairo must send a strong message by activating the Arab Joint Defense Agreement and announcing the formation of an Arab army. “This would show Trump that the Arab world will not be an easy target,” he said.

Amr Adib also weighed in on the issue on El Hekaya (watch, runtime: 12:46).

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