Israel: Will War Resume if hostages are not released as planned?
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that the future of Gaza and the long-term fate of the territory were at stake if all hostages were not released by Saturday as planned, and Israeli forces would resume "intense fighting."
Netanyahu's warning came after Hamas said on Monday it would indefinitely postpone the next round of hostage releases. Netanyahu responded that this amounted to a "decision that violates the agreement."
His statement echoed a demand made by US President Donald Trump the previous day that all remaining hostages must be released by 12 noon on Saturday (February 15) or "everything will descend into chaos".
Netanyahu also reiterated an order issued late Monday to increase troops in and around Gaza, but he stopped short of saying the army plans to retake territory from which Israel recently withdrew. "The operation is currently underway," he said. "It will be done as soon as possible."
Trump's comments this week, including his claim that the United States would take over Gaza and deny Palestinian residents the right of return, have infuriated Hamas, left world leaders reeling and added to the chaos of ceasefire talks.
Last month, Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a cease-fire that was set to expire on March 2. Under the terms of the deal, a hostage swap was to take place this week and three Israelis were to be freed. Most of the exchanges will take place on Saturday. So far, 16 of the 33 Israeli hostages due to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire have been freed. Under the second phase of the deal, about 60 more hostages will be released later this spring.
The current impasse stems in part from Hamas accusations that Israel has not fulfilled its commitments under the first phase of the truce. Israel has been asked to send hundreds of thousands of tents to Gaza, but Hamas says Israel has not fulfilled that promise.
Netanyahu's warning came after Hamas said on Monday it would indefinitely postpone the next round of hostage releases. Netanyahu responded that this amounted to a "decision that violates the agreement."
His statement echoed a demand made by US President Donald Trump the previous day that all remaining hostages must be released by 12 noon on Saturday (February 15) or "everything will descend into chaos".
Netanyahu also reiterated an order issued late Monday to increase troops in and around Gaza, but he stopped short of saying the army plans to retake territory from which Israel recently withdrew. "The operation is currently underway," he said. "It will be done as soon as possible."
Trump's comments this week, including his claim that the United States would take over Gaza and deny Palestinian residents the right of return, have infuriated Hamas, left world leaders reeling and added to the chaos of ceasefire talks.
Last month, Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a cease-fire that was set to expire on March 2. Under the terms of the deal, a hostage swap was to take place this week and three Israelis were to be freed. Most of the exchanges will take place on Saturday. So far, 16 of the 33 Israeli hostages due to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire have been freed. Under the second phase of the deal, about 60 more hostages will be released later this spring.
The current impasse stems in part from Hamas accusations that Israel has not fulfilled its commitments under the first phase of the truce. Israel has been asked to send hundreds of thousands of tents to Gaza, but Hamas says Israel has not fulfilled that promise.
