Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong warning to Hamas, declaring that Israel will open the “gates of hell” if all hostages are not released.
“We have a common strategy with the US, and while we cannot share all details, I assure you that the gates of hell will open if every last hostage is not returned,” Netanyahu said after meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem.
Hamas had delayed the release of hostages, prompting former US President Donald Trump to urge Israel to end the ceasefire if the hostages were not returned. However, after further negotiations, three hostages were released, and the ceasefire continued.
US Backs Israel’s Decisions on Gaza
Following the hostage release, Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel’s actions. Netanyahu also met with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss further negotiations. A delegation will be sent to Cairo for talks, while Israel’s security cabinet will decide on the next course of action.
Witkoff expressed hope that the second phase of the ceasefire would include:
- The release of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas.
- The eventual end of the war.
- The removal of Hamas from Gaza’s leadership.
Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza includes relocating its residents to Egypt and Jordan and rebuilding the region. However, Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, have rejected the plan.
Israel and US United Against Iran
Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel and the US stand “shoulder to shoulder” in countering Iran. He stated that Iran’s influence in the region must be “rolled back” and that Israel has already dealt a “mighty blow” to Iranian-backed forces.
Rubio called Iran “the single greatest source of instability in the region” and insisted that “there can never be a nuclear Iran.”
US Supplies Military Aid to Israel
Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a shipment of 1,800 MK-84 heavy aerial bombs was recently received from the US. The shipment had been delayed under the Biden administration but was released by Trump.
“This shipment is a significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF, reinforcing the strong alliance between Israel and the US,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated.
