Israel’s PM now issues ultimatum to Hamas over hostage release by Saturday

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has warned Hamas that the ceasefire in Gaza will end and intense fighting will resume unless the Palestinian group returns hostages held in captivity by noon on Saturday. This warning follows Hamas’s announcement that it would delay the release of more hostages, which had been scheduled for this weekend as part of an ongoing ceasefire deal.

Netanyahu, in a video statement, said that Israel’s security cabinet had unanimously approved a directive to amass Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops inside and around Gaza in response to Hamas’s decision. He did not specify whether he was demanding the release of all remaining hostages or just the three individuals scheduled to be freed by Saturday, but his message was clear: failure to comply would trigger the end of the ceasefire.

Hamas, on the other hand, has maintained that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement. The group accused Israel of violating the terms of the deal by obstructing the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, a claim that Israel has denied. The uncertainty surrounding the full release of hostages has created further tensions, with conflicting statements from Israeli officials on whether all 76 hostages or just a smaller group would need to be freed for the ceasefire to continue.

Pressure from Arab nations is reportedly mounting on Hamas to restore the deal and facilitate the release of hostages. Egypt has expressed its intention to present a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, which it claims will not involve displacing the local population. This plan stands in contrast to the one proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which had been controversial for suggesting population relocation.

The delay in the hostages’ release has also prompted a response from Trump, who called for Israel to cancel the ceasefire agreement entirely unless all hostages were returned by the Saturday deadline. He emphasized that Israel should “let hell break out” rather than accept a delayed release.

Following a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to the strong stance echoed by Trump. The IDF has already raised the readiness level of its Southern Command and increased its troop presence near Gaza, signaling Israel’s readiness for a potential resumption of conflict if Hamas does not meet the ultimatum.

As the deadline approaches, the future of the fragile ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for a possible escalation in hostilities.