On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would resume "intense fighting" in the Gaza Strip if Hamas fails to release hostages by this weekend. This statement aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's recent ultimatum, which has added tension to the already fragile ceasefire.

 

President Trump, who has claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire that began last month, stated that "hell" would break loose if Hamas does not free "all" Israeli hostages by Saturday. When questioned about this deadline during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday, Trump affirmed, "Yes."

 

The ceasefire agreement, which has largely paused over 15 months of conflict in Gaza, stipulates that hostages are to be released in groups in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. To date, Israel and Hamas have conducted five hostage-prisoner exchanges.

 

However, the deal has faced increasing challenges recently, leading to intensified diplomatic efforts to preserve it.

 

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that if Hamas does not return the hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will "resume intense fighting until Hamas is decisively defeated."

 

Tensions have escalated following President Trump's proposal last month to take control of Gaza and relocate its more than two million residents, a plan that has faced significant opposition.

 

Trump reiterated his stance, stating that if all hostages are not released by Saturday at 12 o'clock, the ceasefire should be canceled, and "all bets are off and let hell break out."

 

Senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri responded, stating that Trump's remarks "further complicate matters." He emphasized that adherence to the agreement by both parties is the only way to secure the return of the hostages.