Israeli PM says ceasefire 'will be terminated' if hostages not back by Saturday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza would end if the Palestinian armed group Hamas failed to release the hostages by Saturday. This announcement has heightened concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire agreement. The international community is closely watching the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution.

In a video statement, Netanyahu emphasized, "If Hamas does not return our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire agreement will end, and the Israel Defense Forces will resume intense fighting until Hamas is ultimately defeated." This strongly worded statement indicates the Israeli government's firm stance on this issue. The Prime Minister's words reflect a sense of urgency and determination.

According to the complex ceasefire agreement, which is divided into three phases, Hamas should release the hostages it seized during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In exchange, Israel should release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and administrative detainees held in its prisons. The first phase should release 33 hostages, but due to previous conflicting statements, the Israeli government clarified that they expect all those held in Gaza to be released by noon on Saturday to save the ceasefire agreement. This clarification aims to address any ambiguities and ensure the agreement's success.

It is estimated that Hamas still holds 76 hostages, about half of whom have been confirmed dead. Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters, "Threatening language is of no value and will only complicate matters." He stressed that all parties should respect the existing agreement, which is the only way to rescue Israeli prisoners. Abu Zuhri's statement highlights the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon terms.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had increased the number of troops deployed to the Southern Command, including Gaza, and had called up reservists "to prepare for all scenarios." The Gaza Health Ministry said that more than 48,000 Palestinians had died in the war, and it is estimated that most of the region's 2.3 million people have been displaced by the fighting. Israel says about 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack. The ongoing conflict continues to have a devastating impact on the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that if he were to lead the negotiations, he would demand that all hostages be released by Saturday, or "everything will explode." He reiterated this point at the White House and told reporters that he did not want to see Hamas release the hostages in batches, as stipulated in the agreement that went into effect on January 19. Trump also met with Jordan's King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein at the White House on Tuesday. This was his first face-to-face meeting with Arab leaders since taking office last month. The meeting underscores the importance of regional diplomacy in addressing the crisis.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his proposal, announced last week, that the U.S. would "take over" and redevelop the Gaza Strip. He repeatedly insisted that Jordan should resettle displaced Palestinians, but the Jordanian government rejected these proposals. King Abdullah reiterated his opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza on social media after the White House meeting. His statement read: "Achieving just peace on the basis of the two-state solution is the way to ensure regional stability. This requires U.S. leadership. President Trump is a man of peace. He has played an important role in ensuring a ceasefire in Gaza. We look forward to the U.S. and all stakeholders ensuring the ceasefire is sustained." The King's remarks emphasize the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict.