Netanyahu: Israel Have Right To Resume Gaza War If Ceasefire Conditions Are Breached

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that Israel reserves the right to resume military operations in Gaza with US support, emphasizing his commitment to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Speaking ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday, Netanyahu stated, “We reserve the right to resume the war if necessary, with American support,” highlighting Israel’s transformation of the regional landscape since the conflict began.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not go ahead with the ceasefire deal unless Hamas publishes a list of hostages to be released in the first phase. “We won’t move on with the deal until we receive the list of hostages, as agreed. Israel will not permit any violations of the agreement. The responsibility alone rests with Hamas,” he announced.

Hamas was to hand over the list to the mediator, Qatar, by 4 pm local time on Saturday but up to Saturday evening, there had been no sign of that list. Earlier in the day, Israel’s Cabinet approved a ceasefire deal after months of indirect negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. This marks the second truce in the prolonged conflict.

According to Netanyahu’s office, the agreement is in consonance with Israel’s war goals, while Hamas condemned Israel for not winning and committing war crimes. As part of the agreement, Israel’s justice ministry has announced the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees during the initial phase, set to begin after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has warned Palestinians against passing through the Netzarim corridor, the central Gaza route, until further notice. It warned against approaching Israeli forces who will redeploy along Gaza’s border areas. A detailed statement on the safe return of displaced Palestinians will be issued later, according to military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.