Netanyahu Warns of Ceasefire End if Hostages Are N...

Netanyahu Warns of Ceasefire End if Hostages Are Not Released by Saturday

Zim Now Writer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an ultimatum, warning that if Hamas does not release hostages by midday on Saturday, Israel will resume full-scale military operations in Gaza until Hamas is completely defeated. His statement came after a high-level meeting with key ministers, who fully backed the decision.

Hamas responded by reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of undermining the agreement through continued violence and restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The group has halted further hostage releases, citing Israeli violations of the deal. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has freed 16 of 33 hostages, along with five Thai nationals. However, Israeli sources indicate that 76 hostages remain in Gaza, with over 35 presumed dead.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Netanyahu’s position, stating that Hamas must comply with the release demands or face severe consequences.

He warned that failure to do so would lead to extreme military action. Hamas dismissed Trump’s rhetoric, urging him to respect the ceasefire terms rather than using the "language of threats."

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 48,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly the entire population of 2.3 million displaced. Basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter remain scarce.

Meanwhile, Trump has proposed that the U.S. should take control of Gaza, relocate its population, and redevelop the area into a luxury destination.

Netanyahu has endorsed the idea, but it has been met with strong opposition from Arab nations and Palestinian leaders, who view it as a violation of international law and a threat to Palestinian sovereignty.