London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025

0:00
0:00

Israel Warns of Ending Gaza Ceasefire Amid Hostage Situation

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.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
US Teacher Detained in Russia Freed Amid Optimism for Improved US-Russia Relations
EU-UK Security Pact Unhindered by Fishing Rights Dispute, Says EU President
Tories Criticize Proposed Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer Amid Escalating Cost Claims
World Leaders Promote Ethical and Inclusive AI Governance at Paris Summit
Deloitte US Revises Policies in Response to Evolving Political Climate
Apple Releases Critical Security Update Following Reports of Vulnerabilities
US Senate Moves Forward with Tulsi Gabbard's Nomination for Director of National Intelligence.
Israel Warns of Ending Gaza Ceasefire Amid Hostage Situation
King Abdullah II Dismisses US Proposal to Relocate Palestinians, Commits to Welcoming Children from Gaza.
Sam Altman Addresses Elon Musk's Offer to Acquire OpenAI
OpenAI Reconfirms Its Independence After Musk's $97 Billion Offer.
Elon Musk Cautions That the U.S. Could Face Bankruptcy Without Reductions in Federal Spending.
How Spain Transformed from High Unemployment to Eurozone Growth Leader
FEMA Allocated Fifty-Nine Million Dollars to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels, Triggers Investigation
Australian Billionaires Set to Encounter New Wealth Tax Under Greens Initiative
U.S. Secret Service Invests Two Million Dollars in High-Quality, Effective Recruitment Ad Directed by Michael Bay
MPs to Receive Proposed 2.8% Pay Increase, Raising Salaries to £93,904 – It’s Legal, and That’s Exactly the Problem
The European Union Shifts Focus to AI Innovation Amid Global Competition (or at least this is what they claim)
Europe's far-right leaders pledge to 'reclaim' the continent in the wake of Trump's reelection.
Keir Starmer Under Examination Regarding His Legal Strategy
Merz and Scholz Spar Over Migration and Economic Strategies in Pre-Election Discussion
"Marrow stupid": Senator John Kennedy Blasts UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Over Chagos Islands Transfer
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Surge Reshapes Electoral Dynamics
Kemi Badenoch Faces Internal Criticism After 100 Days as Tory Leader
Campaigners Urge UK to Apologise for Forced Adoptions
Church of England Upholds Traditional Eucharistic Elements Amid Calls for Alternatives
Rayner Defends Approach at Grenfell Tower Meeting Amid Dismantling Plan
China Implements Tit-for-Tat Tariffs on US Goods Amid Trade Escalation
Italy and Wales Set for Six Nations Clash at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico
Ministry of Justice Apologises Over Prisoner Early Release Letter Error
Rare First Edition Harry Potter Book Sells for Over Twenty-One Thousand Pounds
Drax Power Station Under Scrutiny for Incomplete Wood Sourcing Reporting
UK Government Reaffirms Pledge to Build 1.5 Million New Homes by 2029
Freed Israeli Hostage Learns of Family's Death After Release from Gaza
French President Macron Employs Deepfake Technology to Advocate for AI Summit
Trump Names Musk to Investigate Government Fraud Amidst Controversy
Police Stop Ed Sheeran's Street Performance in Bengaluru
FBI Alerts Smartphone Users About Toll Scam Threat
Australian Educator Declares Identity as a Cat, Sparking Parental Backlash
Kremlin Addresses Claims of Trump-Putin Phone Conversation in Light of Ukraine Crisis
Trump Connects with Putin to Address the Ukraine Crisis
Super Bowl Ad Prices Soar to Record Highs Amid Streaming Surge
China Achieves 2030 Solar Energy Targets Early, Cuts Subsidies for Renewable Energy
Trump Signs Executive Order Prioritizing White South African Refugees
Europe Faces Growing Security Concerns and Trump's New Demands on Ukraine
Trump Revokes Security Clearances of Biden Officials, Including Blinken and Sullivan
Justin Bieber Sparks Concern as New Footage Raises Health Fears
European Right-Wing Leaders Celebrate Trump’s Impact on Global Politics
Trump Administration Directs Admiral to Leave Official Residence Within Three Hours
British Health Secretary Andrew Gavin Fired Over Controversial Messages
×