Netanyahu's ultimatum: Ceasefire hinges on hostage release
Heated debate in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a four-hour government meeting on Tuesday regarding Hamas's statement that hostages will not be released this weekend. "The ceasefire will end," Netanyahu declared after the meeting.
The firm statement was issued after a lengthy discussion in the Israeli security cabinet. The meeting was called after Hamas announced that this Saturday, the three hostages expected to be released by the Israeli side will not be freed.
"If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon - the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is completely defeated," the Prime Minister said.
He also added that everyone in the Israeli government welcomed President Trump's demand for the release of the hostages by Saturday noon. He also confirmed that he was impressed by the president's "revolutionary vision" for the future of Gaza.
The Prime Minister confirmed that on Monday evening he ordered the Israel Defense Forces to gather forces inside and around the Gaza Strip. This operation is ongoing. According to Tuesday's statement, the Israel Defense Forces are ready for "fierce fighting until Hamas is finally defeated."
According to the BBC, Benjamin Netanyahu's statement did not clearly indicate how many hostages are to be released. So far, 16 people have gained freedom. In exchange for them, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails were released. Hamas also released five Thai hostages.
There are 17 Israeli hostages left who are to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire. However, Israel claims that eight of them are dead. Three living hostages were to be released on Saturday, but Hamas announced it is delaying their release.
