Netanyahu Threatens Gaza Offensive if Hostages Aren’t Released Saturday/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not release three scheduled hostages by Saturday. The militant group claims Israel violated ceasefire terms, delaying the exchange. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to end the ceasefire entirely if all hostages are not freed. As tensions escalate, Israel is reinforcing troops near Gaza, preparing for potential renewed combat.
Gaza Ceasefire Under Threat: Quick Looks
- Netanyahu threatens to resume fighting if Hamas does not release hostages on time.
- Hamas accuses Israel of failing to provide sufficient aid, delaying prisoner swaps.
- Trump pressures Israel to end the ceasefire if all hostages aren’t freed.
- Israel bolsters military presence near Gaza in preparation for possible conflict.
- The ceasefire’s next phase, involving 70 hostages and an extended truce, remains uncertain.
Israel Threatens Renewed Fighting in Gaza Over Hostage Standoff
Deep Look
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning: if Hamas fails to release hostages as planned this Saturday, Israel will resume military operations in Gaza. His statement puts the fragile ceasefire in jeopardy, raising fears of a renewed war.
Hamas Delays Hostage Release, Citing Ceasefire Violations
Hamas announced on Monday—and reiterated Tuesday—that it will not release three hostages as scheduled, accusing Israel of failing to meet ceasefire obligations. The group claims Israel has not allowed enough humanitarian aid, including tents and supplies, into Gaza.
So far, Hamas has released 21 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, with additional exchanges planned. However, this latest delay threatens the entire deal, with Netanyahu demanding adherence to the agreement.
Trump Urges Israel to End Ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure, stating that Israel should cancel the ceasefire altogether if Hamas does not release all 70 remaining hostages by Saturday. It remains unclear whether Netanyahu’s warning applies only to the three scheduled releases or to the entire group of hostages still held in Gaza.
Hamas has dismissed Trump’s remarks, insisting that Israel must fully comply with the ceasefire terms before further releases can take place.
Israel Reinforces Troops Near Gaza
On Tuesday, an Israeli official revealed that Netanyahu has ordered the reinforcement of military forces around Gaza, signaling a readiness to resume combat if necessary. Following a four-hour meeting with his Security Cabinet, Netanyahu instructed military officials to prepare for every scenario should Hamas fail to comply.
The move follows Israel’s earlier decision to bolster defenses along the Gaza border, anticipating potential clashes if negotiations collapse.
Uncertain Future for the Ceasefire
The ceasefire agreement, in its first six-week phase, required Hamas to release 33 hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In return, Israel agreed to free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. So far, five hostage-prisoner exchanges have taken place since January 19.
However, the next phase—expected to begin in March—faces serious challenges. This phase aims for the release of all remaining hostages and an indefinite truce extension, but with ongoing accusations and delays, achieving this goal looks increasingly difficult.
A New Battlefield for Israel?
If Israel resumes military action, the situation could be vastly different from earlier combat operations. In previous stages of the war, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to evacuate to southern Gaza. However, recent Israeli policies have allowed many civilians to return to their devastated homes, potentially complicating military maneuvers in densely populated areas.
Netanyahu’s latest threat raises concerns over civilian casualties, as well as regional instability. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether peace efforts continue or war resumes.
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