Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that the ceasefire in Gaza will end if the Palestinian group fails to release hostages by Saturday noon (10:00 GMT). Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to amass troops in and around Gaza following Hamas’s decision to delay further hostage releases.
While Netanyahu did not explicitly clarify whether he was demanding the release of all 76 remaining hostages or just the three due for release on Saturday, Transport Minister Miri Regev later suggested that Israel expected the release of all hostages. The IDF has heightened its readiness in Gaza’s Southern Command, reinforcing troops, including reservists.
Hamas stated that it remains committed to the ceasefire and blamed Israel for violating the agreement by blocking humanitarian aid. The group accused Israel of delaying the return of displaced Palestinians and obstructing food and medical supplies.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim indicated that US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators could still intervene to salvage the ceasefire. He reaffirmed Hamas’s willingness to proceed with prisoner releases if Israel adheres to the original terms of the agreement.
Former US President Donald Trump has also weighed in, urging Israel to abandon the ceasefire if all hostages are not returned by Saturday. Netanyahu responded by welcoming Trump’s position and reaffirming Israel’s commitment to military action should Hamas fail to comply.
Meanwhile, Hamas rejected Trump’s post-war proposal for Gaza, which includes relocating Palestinians and reconstructing the area into a luxury destination dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The Palestinian Authority and Arab nations have also condemned the plan, calling it an attempt at ethnic cleansing.
The ceasefire, in place since January 19, was structured to last six weeks, allowing for hostage-prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid to Gaza. So far, Hamas has released 16 living Israeli hostages, alongside five Thai hostages. In return, Israel has freed Palestinian prisoners. However, eight of the remaining Israeli hostages are believed to be dead.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 48,210 reported casualties since Israel launched its military campaign in response to Hamas’s October 7 attack. The conflict has left Gaza’s infrastructure devastated, with food, fuel, and medical shortages worsening.
With tensions escalating, Saturday’s deadline could determine whether the fragile ceasefire collapses into renewed fighting.
