Abdelrahman
Israel’s Prime Minister Issues Ultimatum to Hamas Over Hostage Situation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a stern warning to Hamas, stating that the current ceasefire in Gaza will be terminated if the Palestinian group does not return hostages by noon on Saturday. Netanyahu expressed that he has directed Israeli forces to gather both within and around Gaza following Hamas’s recent announcement concerning the delay in releasing additional hostages.
While Netanyahu did not clarify whether he is demanding the liberation of all 76 remaining hostages or just the three expected to be freed this weekend, an Israeli minister indicated that the expectation is for the release of "everyone".
Hamas, on the other hand, accused Israel of breaching the three-week-old ceasefire agreement by obstructing crucial humanitarian assistance, a claim that Israel has refuted. After Netanyahu’s declaration, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire but argued that Israel has failed to uphold its end of the agreement. The militant group stated that any setbacks or delays in the hostage release procedure are Israel’s responsibility.
The announcement by Hamas to postpone the planned release has prompted reactions from international figures. Former US President Donald Trump suggested that Israel should entirely abandon the agreement and allow significant conflict to ensue unless "all hostages" are returned by the specified deadline.
Following a four-hour security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Netanyahu shared via a video statement that he supported Trump’s demands. He noted: "Given Hamas’s announcement regarding its decision to breach the agreement and not release our hostages, I instructed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to mobilize forces inside and around Gaza. This operation is underway and will be completed shortly."
Netanyahu also issued an ultimatum, which received unanimous approval from the security cabinet: "If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will be over, and the IDF will recommence substantial military action until Hamas is defeated."
Contrast in Israeli positions emerged regarding whether all remaining hostages or just those scheduled for release this weekend are to be returned. An official mentioned it would consider extending the ceasefire if the next group of three hostages were released as anticipated on Saturday. However, Transport Minister Miri Regev firmly stated on social media: "We have made a very explicit decision: We adhere to President Trump’s statement regarding the hostages’ release – everyone will be freed on Saturday!"
Hamas condemned Trump’s proposal for the US to take over Gaza, labeling his comments as "racist" and stating that his intentions to "expel" Palestinians would inevitably fail. This past week, Trump announced a contentious strategy for the US to control post-war Gaza, suggesting the relocation of Palestinians for reconstruction to transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East." Netanyahu praised this "revolutionary vision," yet it faced outright rejection from the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and several Arab nations. The UN warned that any forced displacement might equate to ethnic cleansing.
In the meantime, the IDF announced an escalation in readiness for its Southern Command, responsible for Gaza operations, with additional troops, including reservists, being deployed. Earlier, Hamas indicated that it remains open to US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediation to reinstate the ceasefire arrangement. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized, "We are doing everything possible to prevent complications and challenges, and thus we are prepared to release prisoners next Saturday if the situation can be rectified through mediation."
He criticized Israel for perceived "continuing violations" of the ceasefire, including delays in allowing displaced Palestinians to return home in northern Gaza and hindering supplies.
The initial phase of the ceasefire deal is intended to last six weeks, facilitating an exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza. To date, 16 living hostages have been freed since the ceasefire commenced on January 19. Hamas has also released five Thai hostages outside the agreement’s framework. The remaining 17 Israeli hostages, which include two children, a woman, five elderly men, and nine younger men, are set to be released over the coming three weeks. While both parties acknowledge that eight hostages are deceased, only one has been officially named.
The ceasefire agreement has allowed Israeli troops to withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians returning home and numerous aid trucks entering the territory each day. Since the unprecedented cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, – which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostage situations – the Israeli military has launched a campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas.
Reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry indicate that over 48,210 individuals have died in the territory since the escalation began. The majority of Gaza’s population has experienced repeated displacements, with nearly 70% of buildings damaged or destroyed. The basic systems for healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene are in disarray, leading to significant shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.
