Israel Warns of Renewed War if Hamas Delays Hostage Release

Israel Warns of Renewed War if Hamas Delays Hostage Release \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Israel’s Defense Minister vowed military action if Hamas fails to release hostages by Saturday, warning that “all hell will break loose.” The ceasefire deal, brokered by mediators, has paused the 16-month Gaza war, but disagreements over aid commitments have put the truce at risk. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians has drawn backlash from Jordan and Egypt.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Crisis: Quick Looks

• Israel warns of renewed war if Hamas delays hostage release past Saturday.
• Hamas claims Israel has not met aid commitments, threatening to postpone releases.
• Mediators say a compromise is close, with Israel pledging more aid to Gaza.
• The ceasefire, in place since Jan. 19, has temporarily halted the 16-month conflict.
• 21 hostages have been freed so far, but eight are believed dead.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered military reinforcements near Gaza.
• Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt has been rejected.
• Negotiations for a second ceasefire phase remain stalled.

Deep Look

Israel Issues Ultimatum to Hamas Over Hostage Releases

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk of collapse after Hamas threatened to delay the next scheduled hostage release on Saturday, citing Israeli violations of the truce agreement.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning:

“All hell will break loose if Hamas does not release the hostages as planned.”

Katz’s remarks echoed U.S. President Donald Trump, who has also pressured Hamas to expedite releases.

Hamas’ Complaints: Aid Shortages & Unmet Promises

Hamas officials claim that Israel has failed to deliver essential aid, including tents, shelters, and heavy equipment.

• Mahmoud Merdawi, a senior Hamas official, stated there were “positive signals” that the three hostages set for release on Saturday would be freed, but Hamas was still waiting for Israel’s confirmation on fulfilling aid commitments.
• An Egyptian mediator reported that both sides were close to resolving the dispute, with Israel agreeing to send additional aid into Gaza.

Despite Hamas’ accusations, Israel denies violating the ceasefire deal, stating it has met all obligations outlined in the agreement.

Current Ceasefire Terms & The Hostage Deal

The 42-day ceasefire, which began on January 19, has temporarily halted the war and allowed for a partial exchange of hostages and prisoners:

• Hamas was to release 33 hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
• 21 hostages have been freed so far, while eight are confirmed or suspected dead.
• In return, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

However, with the next hostage release now in question, Israel has reinforced military positions near Gaza, raising fears that the war could resume if the deal collapses.

Israel’s Military Response & Netanyahu’s Dilemma

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under intense political pressure, has strengthened Israel’s military presence around Gaza, stating that:

“If Hamas stops releasing hostages, there is no deal—there is war.”

Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza’s populated areas during the ceasefire, but Netanyahu is prepared to resume military operations if Hamas does not comply.

However, Netanyahu faces conflicting pressures:

• Far-right allies demand a return to war, urging a military campaign to defeat Hamas.
• Many Israelis, outraged by the poor health conditions of recently freed hostages, want Netanyahu to prioritize hostage recovery and stick to the ceasefire deal.

With the first phase of the ceasefire nearing its end, talks on a longer-term truce remain stalled.

Trump’s Proposal: U.S. Involvement Shakes the Ceasefire

Trump’s recent remarks have added to the crisis, as he proposed:

1. Relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Arab countries.
2. U.S. control over Gaza’s rebuilding efforts, excluding its current residents.

“The U.S. should own Gaza and rebuild it—not for its current inhabitants,” Trump suggested.

His proposal was swiftly rejected by:

• Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who reaffirmed opposition to any forced Palestinian displacement.
• Egyptian officials, who have consistently refused to take in Palestinian refugees.

Trump’s call for Hamas to release all remaining hostages at once has also emboldened Israel to demand additional hostage releases by Saturday.

Second Ceasefire Phase: Talks Stalled

Israel and Hamas were expected to begin negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire, which would:

• Extend the truce beyond 42 days.
• Secure the release of all remaining hostages.
• Lead to a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

However, with the current dispute over aid deliveries, progress toward a longer-lasting ceasefire appears unlikely.

What Happens Next?

• If Hamas delivers hostages on Saturday, the ceasefire could hold for now.
• If not, Israel has threatened to resume the war immediately.
• Mediators are working to finalize an aid-for-hostages compromise.
• Trump’s proposals and intervention may further complicate peace talks.

Final Thoughts

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is on the brink, as disputes over hostage releases and aid commitments threaten to restart the war.

With Netanyahu under pressure, Hamas making demands, and Trump pushing controversial policies, the next few days could determine the future of the conflict.

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