Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, warning that the current ceasefire in Gaza will be terminated if hostages are not released by midday on Saturday.
The high-stakes announcement follows an emergency meeting with Israel’s top defense, foreign affairs, and national security officials, during which Netanyahu authorized the military to mobilize additional forces in and around Gaza.
Tensions Rise as Hostage Releases Stall
Since the first phase of the ceasefire took effect on January 19, Hamas had gradually released several hostages. However, on Monday, the militant group declared that no further releases would occur until further notice, accusing Israel of violating the agreement.
In response, Netanyahu ordered the military to prepare for a potential escalation, signaling that Israel is ready to resume full-scale military operations should Hamas fail to comply.
“We are clear in our demands: If Hamas does not release the hostages by Saturday, the ceasefire ends. We will not hesitate to act,” Netanyahu stated.
International Reactions: Trump Backs Israel’s Deadline
The crisis has drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump—a staunch ally of Israel—publicly urging Hamas to release all hostages before the deadline.
Hamas, in turn, insists that Israel is the one jeopardizing the truce, citing alleged violations of ceasefire terms.
Military Build-Up Sparks Fears of Renewed Conflict
The Israeli military has since announced a reinforcement of troops in southern Israel, including the deployment of reservists, further fueling concerns that a major military operation could resume if no diplomatic breakthrough is reached.
What’s Next?
With the Saturday deadline looming, the world watches as Israel and Hamas remain locked in a tense standoff. Will diplomatic efforts prevent the ceasefire from collapsing, or is another full-scale war imminent?
