Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning that military operations in Gaza will resume if Hamas does not release more hostages by noon on Saturday. His statement aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks, which also supported ending the ceasefire.
Netanyahu made his ultimatum in a video address posted on social media. “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated,” he declared.
Trump reinforced this stance, telling reporters on Monday that if the hostages were not freed, the ceasefire should be canceled and military action should continue.
Unclear Terms for Hostage Release
It remains uncertain whether Netanyahu is demanding the release of all 76 hostages still held in Gaza or only the three captives scheduled for release on Saturday under the ceasefire agreement. The Israeli government has not clarified this point.
Hamas had previously announced it would delay the release of hostages indefinitely, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire. However, the militant group later softened its stance, insisting it was committed to diplomatic efforts. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri criticized Trump’s remarks, saying threats would only complicate the situation.
Israeli Government Under Pressure
The ceasefire deal has faced resistance within Israel’s government. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has warned that he will leave Netanyahu’s coalition if the war does not resume after the first phase of the agreement. Losing Smotrich’s support could jeopardize Netanyahu’s hold on power.
Despite this internal conflict, Israeli media reported that the government had agreed to maintain the ceasefire if Hamas releases three hostages as scheduled. However, military preparations suggest that Israel is preparing for a potential resumption of fighting. Netanyahu has ordered increased troop reinforcements near Gaza, stating that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are “preparing for various scenarios.”
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Gaza and the West Bank
Trump’s comments have further escalated tensions. During a White House meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah, he proposed taking over Gaza and expelling its Palestinian population. He also endorsed Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank, saying, “West Bank is going to work out very well.”
His statements mark a significant shift in U.S. policy. While previous administrations have discouraged Israeli annexation, Trump suggested that the process would unfold smoothly.
King Abdullah did not respond directly to Trump’s remarks but later reaffirmed Jordan’s opposition to the displacement of Palestinians. He emphasized the need for rebuilding Gaza without forcing its residents to leave.
Regional and International Concerns
Trump’s plan has angered Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan. Both countries fear that mass displacement of Palestinians could create regional instability. Additionally, the proposal threatens ongoing efforts to establish diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Israel’s military actions have faced international criticism, with over 47,000 Palestinians and more than 1,700 Israelis killed since the conflict began in October 2023. The ceasefire provided a temporary halt to hostilities, but with tensions rising, its continuation is uncertain.
Protests in Israel have added to the pressure on Netanyahu. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv have blocked roads, demanding the return of all hostages. Some relatives of the captives accuse the government of sabotaging the ceasefire deal.
As the Saturday deadline approaches, all sides are bracing for a critical turning point. If Hamas releases the hostages, the ceasefire may hold. If not, Israel appears ready to launch another military offensive in Gaza.
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