Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will resume “intense fighting” in Gaza if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday.
This warning underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire agreement, which has temporarily halted more than 15 months of conflict in the region.
The truce agreement stipulates that hostages held by Hamas are to be released in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli custody, with the process to occur in batches. So far, five hostage-prisoner swaps have been successfully completed. However, delays in releasing the remaining hostages and the bodies of deceased captives have put the agreement under serious strain.
Hamas has announced it will not release the bodies of four deceased hostages as scheduled, citing alleged Israeli violations of the deal. In response, Netanyahu emphasized that failure by Hamas to return the hostages by Saturday noon will lead to the termination of the ceasefire, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume intense military operations until Hamas is decisively defeated.
The escalating tensions have drawn international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging Hamas to comply with the planned release of hostages and to avoid any actions that could reignite the conflict. Regional actors, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels who are aligned with Hamas, have also threatened potential military intervention if hostilities resume.
The conflict, which erupted following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has caused significant casualties and widespread displacement on both sides. Observers warn that any breakdown of the ceasefire could lead to renewed large-scale violence in Gaza and southern Israel.
The international community continues to stress the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement and seeking a peaceful resolution. Netanyahu’s warning highlights the precarious state of peace in the region and the urgent need for both parties to comply with the agreed terms to prevent further bloodshed.