Netanyahu Warns: Ceasefire Ends if Hostages Not Freed by Saturday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the ceasefire in Gaza will stop, and the military will fight Hamas again if the group does not release hostages by midday Saturday.
Netanyahu made this clear after meeting with top ministers, including those in charge of defense and security, who all agreed with his decision.
Hamas, the Palestinian group, responded by saying they are still committed to the ceasefire but accused Israel of breaking the agreement. According to Reuters, Hamas claims Israel has blocked aid and shot people in Gaza, which Israel denies.
The ceasefire started on January 19, and so far, 16 out of 33 hostages have been freed. Hamas said they won’t release more hostages until Israel follows the deal properly. Netanyahu warned, “If Hamas doesn’t return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the military will fight until Hamas is defeated.”
Reuters reports that it’s unclear if Netanyahu wants all hostages freed or just three expected to be released on Saturday. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, a strong supporter of Israel, said Hamas must release all hostages by Saturday.
Netanyahu also ordered the military to prepare for more fighting, moving troops near Gaza. A Hamas official told Reuters that hostages can only be freed if both sides respect the ceasefire, saying, “Trump must remember there is an agreement that must be followed.”
The war has caused huge damage in Gaza, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed and nearly all 2.3 million residents displaced, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel says 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, and about 250 were taken hostage.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said if hostages aren’t freed by Saturday, Israel should cut off water, electricity, and aid to Gaza and remove Palestinians. He added, “There will only be fire and brimstone from our planes, tanks, and soldiers.”
Trump has also suggested a controversial plan for Gaza, saying the U.S. should take over the area, move out Palestinians, and turn it into a luxury destination. Netanyahu supports this plan, but it has angered Palestinians and Arab leaders. Reuters notes that forcing people to leave their homes during war is considered a war crime under international law.
Palestinians fear a repeat of the “Nakba,” or catastrophe, when many were forced to leave their homes during Israel’s creation in 1948. Gazans told Reuters they are shocked by Trump’s comments about “hell” breaking out if hostages aren’t freed.
One man, Jomaa Abu Kosh, said, “What worse hell can there be than what we’ve already seen? The killing, destruction, and crimes here are unmatched in the world.”
This report is based on information from Reuters, a trusted news source.