Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has warned that the ceasefire in Gaza will end if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by Saturday.
His statement comes after Hamas announced on Monday that it would not release three Israeli hostages as planned this weekend, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas alleged that Israel had breached the three-week-old ceasefire agreement, including by obstructing crucial humanitarian aid—a claim Israel has rejected.
According to BBC, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to resume military action, stating that the Israeli forces would “return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.”
Earlier, United States President, Donald Trump expressed scepticism over Hamas meeting the deadline, saying he does not believe the group will comply.
On Monday, he urged Israel to “let hell break out” if Hamas fails to release all remaining hostages.
Reacting to Trump’s statement after an intensive four-hour meeting of Israel’s security cabinet on Tuesday, Netanyahu said in a video statement that he “welcomed President Trump’s demand”.
He added, “In light of Hamas’s announcement regarding its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, last night I instructed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to amass forces inside – and surrounding – the Gaza Strip.
“This action is being carried out at this hour and will be completed very soon.”
“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end the IDF will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas.”
Under the current ceasefire agreement, 17 Israeli hostages were due to be released in the first phase, though Israel has stated that eight of them are already dead. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have been freed by Israel.
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