Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning that he will end the Gaza ceasefire deal if Hamas does not release hostages by noon on Saturday. In a video statement released after a four-hour security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army would resume intense fighting with the objective of defeating Hamas if the captives were not freed.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli premier has directed the army to mobilize forces in and around the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Netanyahu's statement also highlighted support from U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging Trump's demand for the hostages' release and his vision for Gaza's future, which includes relocating Palestinians from the region.
The warning from Netanyahu came shortly after Hamas declared a delay in the next hostage release, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of numerous violations, including shooting civilians and blocking access to essential relief materials for displaced individuals in Gaza.
In response to the prime minister's threat, the Israeli army has announced plans to bolster its forces, with reserve troops being called up. Meanwhile, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician and former national security minister, criticized the government's stance as 'unfortunate,' advocating for stronger military actions supported by President Trump's statements.
Bezalel Smotrich, the extremist Finance Minister, echoed similar sentiments, urging Netanyahu to convey a decisive message to Hamas. He insisted that the release of all hostages by Saturday is imperative, or else severe consequences should follow.
President Trump has reiterated his controversial proposal to take control of Gaza and relocate Palestinians to neighboring nations, a plan that has faced widespread rejection from Palestinian and Arab leaders. This notion emerged amid the ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement, which began on January 19 and temporarily halted Israel's military operations in Gaza. These operations have resulted in over 48,200 deaths and widespread destruction.
So far, Hamas has released sixteen Israelis and five Thai workers in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails as part of the initial phase of the agreement. However, tensions remain high with ongoing legal challenges against Israel. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the region.