Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the ceasefire with Hamas will end unless the militant group releases captives by Saturday. In a statement on X, he declared that if Hamas fails to comply by noon, Israel will resume full-scale military operations until Hamas is “finally defeated.”
The ceasefire, which has lasted for several weeks, is now under strain as Hamas accuses Israel of violating key provisions. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida claimed Israel’s actions have forced them to cancel the planned release of three additional captives. He insisted that Hamas has honored its commitments while blaming Israel for breaches of the agreement.
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Netanyahu has ordered Israeli forces to prepare for intensified action in and around Gaza. So far, Hamas has released 21 captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal, but tensions remain high as the Saturday deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has urged Israel to abandon the ceasefire if all hostages are not freed. Reports also suggest he is pressuring Jordan’s King Abdullah II to accept displaced Palestinians as part of Israel’s broader strategy.
