Netanyahu Threatens To End Gaza Ceasefire If Hostages Are Not Released By Saturday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the current ceasefire in Gaza will end if Hamas does not release hostages by midday on Saturday. Netanyahu vowed that the Israeli military would resume fighting until Hamas was fully defeated if the Palestinian militant group failed to comply.

Following Netanyahu’s ultimatum, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire while accusing Israel of undermining the agreement. The group stated that hostages would only be released if Israel respected the truce, dismissing what it described as “language of threats.”

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded to remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who had urged the release of all hostages by Saturday and warned of severe consequences if they were not freed. Abu Zuhri insisted that both sides must honour the agreement for hostages to be released.

It remains unclear whether Netanyahu’s ultimatum demands the release of all hostages or just the three who were scheduled to be freed on Saturday under the ceasefire terms. His office has yet to clarify this point, despite media inquiries.

So far, Hamas has released 16 of 33 hostages as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is set to last 42 days. In addition, five Thai hostages were freed in an unscheduled release. In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including those serving life sentences for deadly attacks and others held without charge.

An Israeli group representing hostage families has urged Netanyahu to uphold the ceasefire deal, warning against any moves that could jeopardise the remaining captives. “We must not go backwards. We cannot allow the hostages to waste away in captivity,” the hostages’ forum stated.

Netanyahu’s announcement followed a high-level meeting with key ministers from defence, foreign affairs, and national security, all of whom backed his stance. Shortly after the declaration, the Israeli military confirmed the mobilisation of additional forces to southern Israel, including reservists.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through deadly shootings, blocking some aid deliveries, and preventing displaced Gazans from returning to northern parts of the enclave. Israel denies these claims, stating that its forces have only fired at individuals who ignored warnings to stay away from Israeli troops.

Currently, 76 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli media reporting that more than 35 are believed to be dead. As the Saturday deadline approaches, the fragile ceasefire remains at risk, with both sides standing firm in their demands.

Follow us on: