Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to bolster its forces in and around the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas’ threat to suspend the scheduled release of hostages on Saturday. He also instructed officials to prepare for all possible scenarios if the group fails to comply with the agreement, an official stated.
Hamas announced on Monday that it would halt hostage releases indefinitely, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire terms. The ceasefire deal had already facilitated the release of 21 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas claimed it was delaying the release of three additional hostages, alleging that Israel had not provided sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza as stipulated in the agreement.
Following Hamas declaration, families of the hostages and their supporters gathered in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square” on Monday night, urging the government to uphold the existing deal.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have expressed support for Hamas, issued a warning on Tuesday, stating they were prepared to take military action if Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza.
“We are ready to launch a military intervention at any time in case of escalation against Gaza,” said Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi in a televised speech. The Iran-backed group has previously carried out attacks during the ongoing conflict, citing solidarity with the Palestinians.
Tensions remain high as both sides brace for potential escalations amid uncertainty over the hostage release and the fragile ceasefire agreement.