Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a deadline for Hamas, stating that if the group does not release hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire in Gaza will end, and military operations will resume until Hamas is defeated.
The announcement came after Netanyahu’s discussions with key ministries, including defense, foreign affairs, and national security. The ultimatum has been fully backed by Israel’s leadership, signalling the government’s firm stance on hostage negotiations.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Violating Truce
Following Netanyahu’s statement, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire but accused Israel of undermining the agreement. The militant group stated that it had halted further hostage releases due to alleged breaches by Israel, including deadly attacks and delays in humanitarian aid deliveries.
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DRAMATIC VIDEO; Netanyahu issues ultimatum to Hamxs: “If our hostages are not released by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.” pic.twitter.com/9mHPr8wNEv
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So far, Hamas has released 16 of the 33 hostages agreed upon in the ceasefire’s first phase. Five Thai hostages were also freed in an unscheduled release. In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including those serving life sentences.
US President Trump’s Stance on the Ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Israel, has called for Hamas to release all hostages by the deadline. A Hamas official dismissed Trump’s warning, insisting that the ceasefire must be honoured by both sides to ensure the safe return of hostages.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has instructed the military to prepare for potential combat, with additional troops and reservists being deployed to southern Israel.
Israeli Ministers Demand Tougher Measures
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged the government to escalate military actions if Hamas does not comply. He has suggested cutting off Gaza’s essential resources, including water, electricity, and aid, and pushing for the full occupation of the region.
The Gaza Crisis: Humanitarian Disaster and Diplomatic Fallout
Gaza has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict, with over 48,000 Palestinian casualties reported by the health ministry. Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million people has been displaced, while basic necessities like food, water, and medical aid remain scarce.
Trump’s recent proposal for Gaza—suggesting that the U.S. take control of the enclave and relocate its population—has sparked international outrage. Netanyahu has praised the plan, but Arab leaders and Palestinian representatives have condemned it, calling it a violation of international law and a repeat of historical forced displacements.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on Saturday’s deadline to see whether the ceasefire will hold or if the region will witness another round of violence.
