Israel will start intense battles in Gaza again unless Hamas, which agreed, releases the Israeli hostage before lunchtime on Saturday. This is stated by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, without specifying how many hostages he demands will be released then.
Netanyahus’s new ultimatum comes after Monday’s threat to Hamas from US President Donald Trump, who said “hell can break away” unless the remaining Israeli hostages are released.
When Trump on Tuesday before the meeting in the White House with Jordan King Abdullah received questions from journalists if that message still applies, Trump answered with a short “yes” and that he thinks Hamas will listen.
Later in connection with the meeting with King Abdullah, however, he said he believes that Hamas will not keep the deadline:
– I have a deadline on Saturday and I don’t think they will be able to do it.
Hamas blames on Israel
In a statement, the terrorist organization Hamas announces that Israel is responsible for any “complications or delays” about the ceasefire and release of hostages.
On Tuesday, Hamas also commented on Trump’s play about “letting hell bursting” if they do not release the hostage as planned.
“Trump must remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties. That’s the only way to get the prisoners back, ”said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, according to Reuters.
Among mediators, there is concern for the risk of collapse around the agreement on ceasefire in Gaza, Egyptian security sources have told Reuters. UN Secretary -General António Guterres urges both sides to resume negotiations.
“At all costs, we must avoid a resumption of hostilities in Gaza, which would lead to an incredible tragedy,” he writes in a post on X.
IDF reinforces
At the same time as the ceasefire now looks to hang on a fragile thread, the Israeli military IDF has made a new position assessment. On Monday evening, IDF raised the readiness to be ready for new battles in Gaza if the ceasefire contracts collapses.
On Tuesday, the IDF announces that you also do what you themselves describe as extensive troop reinforcements in the southern part of the country and have also calls reservists. It as a “preparation for different scenarios”, writes IDF on telegram.