JERUSALEM — On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning about potentially ending the ceasefire in Gaza and instructed military forces to prepare for renewed combat against Hamas if the militant organization does not release additional hostages by Saturday.
Hamas, in statements made on Monday and reiterated on Tuesday, announced its plan to postpone the release of three hostages. The group accused Israel of not abiding by ceasefire terms, notably in terms of not allowing a sufficient number of tents and aid supplies into Gaza.
In the midst of rising tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for Israel, urging for an even greater release of remaining hostages on Saturday. Trump expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s viability, particularly after his meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House. He insinuated that Hamas might not fulfill the president’s call for their release, saying, “I don’t think they’re going to make the deadline, personally. They want to play tough guy. We’ll see how tough they are.”
Since the ceasefire commenced, Hamas has freed 21 hostages in exchange for over 730 Palestinian prisoners over five transactions. The upcoming second phase of the agreement involves the return of all remaining hostages along with an indefinite prolongation of the truce. However, Trump’s recent remarks regarding both the impending hostages’ release and Gaza’s future have disrupted the delicate peace framework.
It remains unclear whether Netanyahu’s threat pertained specifically to the three hostages scheduled for release on Saturday or to all remaining hostages, which would breach the ceasefire terms. Netanyahu’s office has expressed appreciation for President Trump’s demands.
An anonymous Israeli official confirmed that the country is adhering to Trump’s announcement regarding the hostages, asserting that all remaining captives are expected to be released on Saturday.
Additionally, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the military was prepared to mobilize troops in and around the Gaza Strip to address any possible scenarios.
Trump has suggested that Israel should end the ceasefire entirely if all of the approximately 70 hostages are not released by Saturday. In response, Hamas dismissed his claims, reiterating their position that Israel has violated the ceasefire and would only continue to release hostages under the agreement’s adherence from both sides.
“Trump must remember there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties. This is the only way to bring back prisoners,” stated Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri. He added that the use of threats is unproductive, complicating negotiations.
Hamas later criticized Trump’s statements from the White House as a call for “ethnic cleansing,” accusing him of seeking to undermine Palestinian rights. They asserted that they remain committed to the ceasefire but did not specify their intentions regarding the hostages’ release.
Meanwhile, Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah II has increased pressures on Jordan to accept refugees from Gaza, potentially on a permanent basis as part of a broader strategy to reshape the region.
“We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it,” Trump remarked about U.S. control over Gaza while Abdullah stood beside him. The king faced multiple inquiries from reporters about Trump’s plans but did not provide substantial remarks. However, he did indicate that Jordan could accept “right away” as many as 2,000 children from Gaza suffering from various illnesses.
A high-ranking official from the World Health Organization recently reported that approximately 12,000 to 14,000 patients require medical evacuation from Gaza, including 5,000 children.
Palestinians and members of the international community have reacted strongly to Trump’s recent statements suggesting that Palestinians who may be uprooted from Gaza would not have a right to return.
During the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire, Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages taken during its attack on October 7, 2023, while Israel committed to freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. A total of five exchanges have been executed since January 19.
Failure to finalize the more complex second phase of the ceasefire could lead to renewed conflict as early as March. If fighting resumes, Israel will face a significantly altered battlefield. After forcing a massive displacement of Palestinians to southern Gaza, Israel has permitted many to return to their neighborhoods, creating new challenges for troop movements throughout the area.