- Netanyahu demands Hamas release all remaining hostages by noon Saturday or face renewed military operations.
- The ceasefire, brokered with Trump's help, is fragile and threatened by mutual accusations of violations.
- 16 out of 33 hostages have been released, with 656 Palestinian prisoners freed in exchange.
- Trump backs Netanyahu's ultimatum, urging the release of all hostages or a resumption of conflict.
- Critics argue Netanyahu is using the hostage situation to justify further aggression in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an ultimatum to Hamas: release all remaining hostages by noon on Saturday, or face the resumption of intense military operations in Gaza.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions over a fragile ceasefire brokered with the help of President Trump, who has called for an immediate release of all hostages. Netanyahu’s threat raises concerns that Israel may be seeking any justification to continue its devastating campaign in Gaza, which many consider to be genocidal.
The ceasefire, which began three weeks ago, was intended to facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. So far, 16 out of 33 hostages included in the deal have been freed, with 656 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in exchange. However, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the agreement by delaying humanitarian aid, restricting the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, and failing to provide essential supplies like fuel and medical equipment. In response, Hamas has postponed the release of additional hostages, further straining the already precarious truce.
Netanyahu, however, has placed the blame squarely on Hamas, claiming the group is violating the deal. “If Hamas does not return our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense fighting until Hamas is decisively defeated,” he said in a video statement. The Israeli military has reportedly amassed forces around Gaza, signaling preparations for a potential escalation.
Trump’s ultimatum adds fuel to the fire
President Trump, who played a key role in brokering the ceasefire, has added pressure by demanding the immediate release of all hostages. “If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I would say, cancel it and all bets are off, and let hell break out,” Trump said in a statement. His ultimatum has been embraced by some Israeli officials, who see it as an opportunity to abandon the ceasefire entirely and resume military operations.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s government is using Trump’s demands as a pretext to justify further aggression in Gaza. The Israeli military’s actions, including the reported killing of 92 Palestinians since the ceasefire began, suggest a willingness to escalate hostilities. Meanwhile, Hamas insists it remains committed to the agreement but accuses Israel of undermining its terms.
The ceasefire, which was always tenuous, now teeters on the edge of collapse. Both sides have accused each other of bad faith, with Hamas claiming Israel is obstructing aid and Israel accusing Hamas of delaying hostage releases. The situation is further complicated by internal divisions within Netanyahu’s government, with far-right ministers like Bezalel Smotrich calling for a full-scale occupation of Gaza and the cessation of essential services unless Hamas complies.
Families of the hostages have urged Netanyahu to prioritize their loved ones’ safe return. “Prime minister, you made the decision to bring all our hostages home through an agreement. We must not go backwards,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.
A path to peace or more bloodshed?
As the Saturday deadline looms, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain. Netanyahu’s ambiguous language—referring to “our hostages” rather than “all hostages”—leaves room for interpretation, but his military preparations suggest a readiness to resume fighting. Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled a willingness to proceed with hostage releases if Israel adheres to the agreement.
The international community, including the United Nations, has called for both sides to uphold their commitments and avoid a return to violence. However, with Netanyahu’s government seemingly eager to resume its campaign and Trump’s ultimatum adding pressure, the prospects for peace appear increasingly dim. The coming days will determine whether the fragile ceasefire can hold—or whether Gaza will once again become a battlefield.
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