Jerusalem: Israel has issued a stern warning, stating that it will resume intense military operations in Gaza if hostages are not released by Saturday. Meanwhile, Hamas insists it is committed to the ceasefire agreement and has accused Israel of failing to uphold its end of the deal.
The ceasefire, which has largely held after more than 15 months of conflict, was based on an agreement to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Five rounds of swaps have been completed so far, but recent disputes have placed the deal in jeopardy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that if Hamas does not return the captives by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will launch a full-scale offensive until Hamas is defeated.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also echoed this stance, stating that if all hostages are not released by the deadline, the ceasefire should be abandoned, and “hell should break out.” His remarks have intensified regional tensions, particularly following his earlier proposal to relocate Gaza’s population, which drew widespread criticism.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the agreement, citing the delay in aid deliveries and recent deaths of three Gazans. However, the group has indicated that the hostage release could still proceed if Israel meets its obligations.
Meanwhile, Israel has heightened military readiness near Gaza, with additional troop reinforcements deployed. The families of hostages have staged demonstrations in Jerusalem, urging the government to prioritize negotiations.
The war, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has resulted in over 1,211 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, of whom 73 remain in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 48,219 people have died in the territory since the conflict began.
As diplomatic efforts continue, a UN report estimates that more than $53 billion will be needed to rebuild Gaza and alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
