Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday that if Hamas fails to release Israeli hostages by noon on Saturday, the fragile ceasefire in Gaza will end, and Israeli forces will resume their offensive until the militant group is defeated.
“In light of Hamas’ violation of the agreement and its refusal to release our hostages, I have ordered the IDF to mobilize forces around the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu stated after a security cabinet meeting. “If Hamas does not comply by Saturday, the ceasefire will end, and we will resume intense fighting until Hamas is eliminated.”
The ceasefire, which began last month, initially saw Hamas releasing hostages in stages. However, the group announced on Monday that it would not free any more captives, accusing Israel of violating the terms through deadly shootings and delays in aid deliveries to Gaza.
Hamas rejects ‘threats,’ insists on ceasefire compliance
A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, dismissed Netanyahu’s ultimatum, stating that hostages would only be released if Israel upholds its commitments. “The language of threats is meaningless and only complicates matters,” he told Reuters.
Israel has denied blocking humanitarian aid and insists its military actions were in response to civilians approaching restricted areas. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to securing the release of all hostages, living or deceased.
Trump backs Israel, warns of consequences for Hamas
US President Donald Trump, a strong ally of Israel, echoed Netanyahu’s stance. He warned that if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday, he would push for the ceasefire to be scrapped. “If Hamas fails to comply, hell will break loose,” he declared.
Palestinians in Gaza, already suffering from severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to Israel’s military offensive, criticized Trump’s remarks. “Hell worse than what we’ve already endured?” asked Jomaa Abu Kosh, a resident of Rafah, standing amid the ruins of his neighborhood.
Growing humanitarian concerns amid ongoing conflict
Gaza, one of the world’s most densely populated areas, has been devastated by the war that began in October 2023. The conflict has displaced over 2 million Palestinians, leaving them in desperate need of international aid. Meanwhile, reports of forced displacement have drawn global condemnation, with experts warning of potential violations of international law.
As the Saturday deadline approaches, tensions remain high, with the possibility of renewed hostilities looming over the region.