Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to reporters alongside Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the U.S. Capitol Building, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Tel Aviv, Israel (EPICSTORIAN)– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a firm ultimatum, warning that military operations in Gaza will resume if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages by Saturday.
The fragile ceasefire, now in its third week, is under growing strain as both sides trade accusations of breaching the agreement.
“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is completely defeated,” Netanyahu declared in a video statement Tuesday night.
The deal, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, called for a phased exchange of hostages and prisoners. Hamas was expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
So far, 16 hostages have been freed, and Israel has released 656 prisoners. However, Hamas has delayed further releases, citing Israeli violations of the agreement, including alleged military actions and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Breaking Ceasefire Terms
Hamas claims Israeli forces have opened fire on civilians, prevented displaced families from returning north, and blocked the entry of essential medical supplies, fuel, and temporary shelters. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 92 Palestinians have died in Israeli operations since the ceasefire began.
A spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obeida, stated that the group remains committed to the agreement but accused Israel of failing to uphold its obligations.
“We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them,” he posted on social media.
A diplomatic source familiar with the situation said the United Nations and Qatar had attempted to send temporary shelters to Gaza, but Israeli authorities denied entry.
Israel Rejects Hamas’ Claims, Calls Delay a ‘Complete Violation’
Israeli officials strongly deny the allegations, accusing Hamas of violating the agreement by postponing hostage releases. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the move a “complete violation” of the deal and warned that Israel would take action if Hamas did not comply.
Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, instructing military leaders to prepare for potential combat. Israeli forces have reinforced security along the Gaza border and increased their state of readiness.
On Sunday, Israeli troops opened fire near Nahal Oz, killing three Palestinians. Officials say the incident occurred within the buffer zone near the border, an area considered off-limits. Katz issued a warning: “Anyone who enters the buffer zone, their blood is on their own head – zero tolerance for anyone who threatens IDF forces or border communities.”
Concerns over the hostages’ well-being are also mounting. Israeli officials have condemned their frail condition upon release, describing it as “shocking” and raising fears for those still in captivity.
Trump Calls for an End to the Ceasefire If Conditions Are Not By Hamas
President Donald Trump, who played a role in brokering the ceasefire, has urged Israel to abandon the phased approach and demand the immediate release of all hostages.
“If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at noon, cancel the deal, and all bets are off,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “Let hell break out.”
He suggested Israel take full control of Gaza, expressing doubts over Hamas’ ability to uphold any long-term agreement. “I think a lot of the hostages are dead,” he added, referencing Israeli intelligence that estimates at least 34 have been killed.
Ceasefire on Brink of Collapse
With only weeks left before the first phase of the deal expires on March 1, the path forward remains uncertain. Netanyahu’s government sent a delegation to Qatar, but Israeli officials say discussions on the next phase have yet to begin.
Pressure within Israel’s leadership is intensifying. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in Netanyahu’s coalition, has threatened to resign if Israel does not resume military operations once the initial truce period ends.
Also Read: Breaking: Hamas Delays Hostage Release After Accusing Israel of Ceasefire Violations
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are working to salvage the agreement, but with both sides digging in, the possibility of renewed conflict looms large. If Hamas refuses to meet Netanyahu’s deadline, another wave of fighting may be inevitable.
