In a significant escalation of the ongoing tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that the existing ceasefire with Hamas will be terminated if the hostages held in Gaza are not returned by Saturday. Netanyahu emphasized that, should the hostages not be released by the stipulated deadline, Israel will resume \"intensive fighting\" in the war-torn enclave.
The prime minister made the announcement via a video statement, revealing that the decision was unanimously approved by his Cabinet ministers during an intensive four-hour meeting. Netanyahu highlighted that all Cabinet members have supported U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza takeover plan and the accompanying ceasefire ultimatum.
In response to Netanyahu's ultimatum, Hamas released a statement asserting that \"Israel has not fulfilled its commitments and bears full responsibility for any complications or delays.\" However, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, contingent upon Israel's adherence to the agreement.
The current ceasefire, established on January 19 after 15 months of conflict, facilitated the release of 21 hostages—16 Israelis and five Thai nationals—from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli jails. While the ceasefire has allowed relief workers to expand services in Gaza, UN humanitarians reported that ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank have hindered aid delivery.
Adding to the mounting pressures, Hamas postponed the hostage handover initially scheduled for Saturday, citing Israel's failure to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, stated that the handover will be delayed until Israel ensures full adherence to the deal and compensates for the past weeks retroactively. \"We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them,\" Obeida noted.
In parallel, President Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas on Monday, stating that failure to release all Israeli hostages from Gaza by Saturday noon would result in a proposal to cancel the ceasefire agreement, potentially unleashing further conflict.
The unfolding situation underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and the delicate balance between efforts to secure hostages and the broader pursuit of peace in the region.
Reference(s):
Israel to end Gaza ceasefire if hostages are not returned by Saturday
cgtn.com
