Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the ceasefire in Gaza will end if Hamas does not release hostages by midday Saturday. In a televised statement on Tuesday, he warned that Israel’s military would resume its offensive until Hamas was completely defeated.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting with key ministers, including those overseeing defense, foreign affairs, and national security. Netanyahu emphasized that the ultimatum had their full support.
Hamas responded by reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire and accused Israel of undermining the agreement. The group previously halted hostage releases on Monday, citing alleged Israeli violations of the deal.
It remains unclear whether Netanyahu expects Hamas to release all remaining hostages or just the three who were due to be freed on Saturday. His office has not yet provided clarification.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has led to the gradual release of hostages. So far, 16 out of 33 have been freed, along with five Thai nationals in an unscheduled release. In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including those serving life sentences.
Meanwhile, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a full-scale military occupation of Gaza if the hostages are not freed. He suggested cutting off water, electricity, and aid to the territory.
As tensions rise, former U.S. President Donald Trump has put forward a controversial plan to take control of Gaza and relocate its population. He envisions transforming the enclave into the "Riviera of the Middle East." Netanyahu has endorsed the proposal, which has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinians and Arab leaders.
Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, has suffered extensive devastation from Israel’s military operations. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. Nearly the entire population has been displaced, and the humanitarian situation remains dire.
Trump’s plan, which contradicts decades of U.S. policy supporting a two-state solution, has reignited fears of forced displacement. Jordan, a key U.S. ally, has expressed deep concerns over the possibility of mass expulsions from Gaza and the West Bank.
Palestinians have rejected Trump’s remarks, with one resident of Rafah questioning how much worse conditions could get. "Hell worse than what we have already? The destruction and human crimes in Gaza have no comparison anywhere in the world," he said.
As the Saturday deadline looms, uncertainty surrounds the fragile ceasefire and the fate of those still held in captivity.