Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that the Gaza ceasefire will be terminated if the militant group does not release hostages as agreed upon by Saturday. Netanyahu made this announcement in a video statement following a security cabinet meeting.
Netanyahu emphasized that if Hamas fails to return the hostages by Saturday noon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume intense fighting until Hamas is completely defeated. He further instructed the IDF to position themselves inside and around the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas' alleged violation of the agreement.
An Israeli official revealed that the cabinet anticipates the release of all nine hostages, scheduled in the initial phase of the ceasefire deal, to occur within a few days. The official reiterated that Hamas' breach of the agreement has stalled progress in the implementation of the deal and negotiations for Phase B.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged Israel to cancel the ceasefire if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday. Trump's statement goes beyond the terms outlined in the agreement between Hamas and Israel, advocating for a more aggressive stance.
