JERUSALEM — On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning that Israel might pull out of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip if Hamas fails to proceed with the anticipated release of hostages scheduled for Saturday. This statement comes amidst growing tensions regarding the terms of the ceasefire and the ongoing hostage situation.
Hamas, the militant organization, announced on Monday and reiterated on Tuesday its intention to postpone the release of three hostages. They have accused Israel of not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire, specifically citing inadequacies in the provision of aid and resources, such as tents, to the region of Gaza.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has encouraged Israel to insist on a broader release of hostages by Saturday. However, it remains uncertain if Netanyahu’s warning pertains solely to the three hostages due for release or if it encompasses the entire group of approximately 70 remaining hostages in Gaza.
Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli official revealed that Netanyahu had directed military operations to bolster troop presence in and around the Gaza region. Netanyahu has also instructed authorities to prepare for any potential outcomes should Hamas fail to release the hostages this weekend, according to the official who requested anonymity to discuss confidential deliberations.
The Israeli government had indicated on Monday its intention to enhance security measures along the Gaza border. This strategic move was part of a comprehensive planning session between Netanyahu and his Security Cabinet, assessing the threats posed by Hamas, which could jeopardize the tenuous three-week ceasefire currently in place.
To date, Hamas has released 21 hostages in several exchanges that have involved releasing hundreds of Palestinian detainees. President Trump suggested that Israel might consider terminating the entire ceasefire if not all of the remaining hostages are released by Saturday. Hamas dismissed Trump’s comments, insisting that Israel’s failure to uphold its commitments has led to the current situation and that they would continue to release hostages only if all parties adhered to the ceasefire terms.
On the diplomatic front, Trump hosted King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House while intensifying pressure on Jordan to accept refugees from Gaza, potentially on a permanent basis, as part of an ambitious reconfiguration plan for the Middle East. These comments have stirred discontent among Palestinians and the international community, particularly Trump’s assertion that displaced Palestinians would not have the right to return if they were expelled from Gaza.
During the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire, Hamas had pledged to release a total of 33 hostages taken during the attack on October 7, 2023. In return, Israel committed to freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, resulting in five exchange operations since January 19.
If negotiations do not yield an agreement regarding the more complex second phase of the ceasefire, which necessitates the return of all hostages and an indefinite truce extension, military operations could resume as early as March. However, if Israel does decide to re-engage in conflict, it will encounter a significantly altered battlefield. Following the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, many have been allowed to return to their homes, complicating Israel’s military maneuvers in the area.
