Netanyahu Issues Ultimatum: Hostages or Intense Fighting in Gaza

The fragile cease-fire in Gaza faces uncertainty as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel delivered a stern warning to Hamas on Tuesday. Netanyahu stated that if the scheduled release of hostages does not occur by Saturday, the truce will be terminated, and Israeli troops will resume “intense fighting.” This ultimatum follows Hamas’s announcement on Monday to indefinitely postpone the next round of hostage releases, which Netanyahu characterized as a “decision to violate the agreement.”

President Trump echoed Netanyahu’s demand earlier on Tuesday, urging the immediate release of all remaining hostages by 12 o'clock on Saturday. Trump warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, stating, “all hell is going to break out.” While Netanyahu did not explicitly state that all captives held in Gaza must be freed, the cease-fire agreement stipulated the release of three hostages on Saturday.

Military Reinforcement

Furthermore, Netanyahu reaffirmed an order issued on Monday night to bolster troop presence in and around Gaza. However, he refrained from disclosing any plans to reclaim territory from which Israel had recently withdrawn.

The situation remains highly volatile as the deadline for hostage release approaches. The international community closely watches the developments, hoping to prevent a resumption of hostilities in the already conflict-ridden region.