ISLAMABAD: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the ceasefire in Gaza would end unless Hamas releases hostages by midday Saturday. If the hostages are not freed, the Israeli military will resume fighting Hamas until its defeat.
In response to Netanyahu’s ultimatum, Hamas issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of endangering the agreement.
The announcement followed a meeting between Netanyahu and key ministers, including those of defense, foreign affairs, and national security, who expressed their full support for the ultimatum.
Hamas has gradually released hostages since the first phase of the ceasefire began on January 19, but on Monday, the group declared it would halt further releases until further notice, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the deal.
Netanyahu stated, “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will end, and the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.” It was unclear whether Netanyahu’s statement referred to all hostages or just the three expected to be released on Saturday.
Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for clarification.
U.S. President Donald Trump, a strong ally of Israel, also called for the release of all hostages by Saturday.
In his statement, Netanyahu confirmed he had ordered the military to gather forces near Gaza, and the IDF soon after announced the deployment of additional forces, including the mobilization of reservists.
A Hamas official responded, stating that Israeli hostages could only be returned if the ceasefire was respected. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, dismissed Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that both sides must adhere to the agreement for the prisoners’ return.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through deadly shootings and delaying aid deliveries. Israel denies these claims, stating it only fired upon individuals who ignored warnings to stay away from Israeli troops.
As of now, 16 of the 33 hostages have been released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal, with five Thai hostages also freed in an unscheduled release. In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of deadly attacks and others held without charge.
An Israeli group representing the families of hostages has urged Netanyahu to honor the ceasefire agreement, stating, “We must not go backwards. We cannot allow the hostages to waste away in captivity.”
