Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu cautions that military action may resume if hostages are not released by Saturday, as tensions increase during a delicate ceasefire.
Israel has delivered a strong warning regarding the current ceasefire agreement with Hamas, stating that military action in Gaza will recommence if hostages are not released by noon on Saturday.
This declaration comes amid rising tensions surrounding the hostage crisis and the enforcement of the ceasefire.
Former US President
Donald Trump, who has been instrumental in brokering the ceasefire established last month, reiterated his stance during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House, suggesting that noncompliance from Hamas would lead to dire consequences.
Trump remarked that "hell" would break loose if all Israeli hostages were not returned by the specified deadline.
The ceasefire, which has been in place for over a month, has put an end to persistent hostilities that spanned more than 15 months in Gaza, allowing for the swapping of hostages and prisoners between the two sides.
So far, five exchanges have taken place, resulting in the release of 16 Israeli hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
After a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that "if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will come to an end, and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will resume intense operations until Hamas is decisively defeated." His comments suggest a potential shift in Israel's stance if the hostage issue is not resolved by the deadline.
Hamas, through senior leader Sami Abu Zuhri, reacted to Trump’s remarks by stressing the importance of both sides honoring the agreement, warning that any breaches could further complicate the situation for hostage returns.
The group declared that it would delay the planned release of hostages, pointing to Israel's failure to fulfill its obligations under the agreement.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed Netanyahu’s threats, calling for a firm response if the hostages are not returned.
"No more phases, no more games," Smotrich stated, reflecting increasing pressure within the Israeli government for a tougher approach towards Hamas.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns about the potential resumption of hostilities, urging Hamas to comply with the agreed releases and highlighting the humanitarian consequences of renewed fighting.
Concurrently, the military readiness of Israeli forces near Gaza has been heightened as tensions escalate, with additional troops and reservists deployed.
Families of hostages have gathered outside Netanyahu’s office, imploring the government to adhere to the ceasefire terms.
Reports from recently freed hostages have revealed troubling conditions for those still detained, with allegations of malnutrition and distress.
Relatives of hostages have shared their fears about the safety of their loved ones and are advocating for the fulfillment of the current deal.
In Gaza, civilians continue to voice concerns over the looming threat of renewed conflict.
Residents have expressed hope that the ceasefire will persist, but they recognize that factions within both Hamas and Israel may be inclined towards further conflict.
The current conflict, which was reignited following a Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in considerable casualties, with over 1,211 deaths reported in Israel and at least 48,218 in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
United Nations estimates suggest that reconstructing Gaza will require over $53 billion, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis facing the region.
As the Saturday deadline draws near, the international community is closely watching the developments related to both the hostage situation and the tenuous ceasefire.