Netanyahu Warns: Ceasefire Will End if Israeli Hostages Are Not Released by Saturday

Netanyahu Warns: Ceasefire Will End if Israeli Hostages Are Not Released by Saturday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas that if the Israeli hostages from Gaza are not released by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end and intense fighting will resume. He stated that under such conditions, if Hamas fails to release the hostages, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will once again launch operations in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the complete defeat of Hamas.

Netanyahu issued this warning after Hamas announced the suspension of the hostage release process. Hamas claimed that they would continue the release process under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, but Israel was obstructing their humanitarian aid efforts. Israel has denied this accusation.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump also reacted to the issue, stating that if all hostages are not released by Saturday, Israel must decide to cancel the agreement. Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s statement and instructed the IDF to reinforce their positions inside and outside the Gaza Strip.

However, Israel's cabinet and officials are somewhat confused. Some officials believe that if only three hostages are released, the ceasefire could continue. On the other hand, Transport Minister Miri Regev stated that they have all agreed on the release of all hostages and have fully supported President Trump's statement.

Hamas has blamed Israel for the delays in the process and stated that they are still committed to the ceasefire agreement. They claim that Israel has delayed allowing people to return to northern Gaza and obstructed the supply of urgent aid.

According to the ceasefire agreement, 33 Israeli hostages were to be exchanged for the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 16 Israeli hostages have been released, and Hamas has released five Thai hostages. However, 17 hostages remain, including two children and several people over the age of 50.

Furthermore, since Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, the situation in Gaza has been extremely dire. Thousands of people have lost their homes, and there is a severe shortage of healthcare, water, sanitation, and other essential services.

If the ceasefire agreement is violated, it could lead to new disasters, and the situation in the region may become even more complex, experts warn.