Israel has warned that it will resume intense military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not release three hostages by noon on Saturday. Government spokesperson David Mencer emphasized that the hostages must be returned for the ceasefire to continue, or the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will escalate their actions until Hamas is completely defeated. This ultimatum follows the recent truce, which was secured through extensive negotiations.
Hamas Maintains Ceasefire Amid Israeli Warnings and Diplomatic Mediation Efforts Intensify
Initially, Hamas threatened to delay hostage-prisoner exchanges, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire. However, the group later agreed to release hostages according to the established schedule. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim indicated that there were positive signs of an agreement following discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo. Despite these developments, the situation remains fragile, with ongoing diplomatic efforts attempting to maintain the ceasefire and prevent further violence.
Hamas Maintains Ceasefire Amid Israeli Warnings and Diplomatic Mediation Efforts IntensifyThe ceasefire nearly collapsed earlier in the week after Hamas accused Israel of attacking civilians, restricting humanitarian aid, and blocking Palestinian movement in northern Gaza. Simultaneously, tensions escalated due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks advocating for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to facilitate redevelopment.
Israel has maintained its stance that Hamas must comply with the agreement and release additional hostages, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of renewed military actions if Hamas fails to do so.
Ceasefire Deal Progresses as Israel Threatens Stronger Response Over Hostage Releases
The ongoing conflict originated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants kidnapped 251 people in an unprecedented attack on Israel. Under the current ceasefire deal, Hamas has so far released 16 out of 33 hostages in the first phase of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials, and has displaced most of the 2.3 million residents of the territory. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reinforced the government’s position, warning that if Hamas fails to release more captives, Israel will intensify its military response.
Regional leaders have been working to de-escalate the conflict, with efforts focused on curbing Trump’s controversial plan to relocate nearly 2 million Palestinians to neighboring Jordan and Egypt.
Egypt has announced plans to host an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to discuss the crisis, with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi expected to engage in talks with Trump. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has reiterated its commitment to achieving a just and comprehensive peace settlement for the Palestinian cause, highlighting ongoing international efforts to prevent further escalation.