Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given Hamas an ultimatum, stating that Israel will resume heavy military operations in Gaza if the hostages are not released by noon on Saturday. After constant ceasefire negotiations, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the current agreement. Netanyahu’s announcement reflects a growing frustration from the Israeli side on the issue of hostage release, which is important for Netanyahu’s government and for the family of the hostages. The deal was brokered by international stakeholders such as the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
The ceasefire agreement, reached last month with mediation from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed to gradually secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. As part of this agreement, Hamas was supposed to release hostages in stages, while Israel would release Palestinian detainees and enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, recent delays and allegations of ceasefire violations have hampered the agreement’s implementation.
However, Hamas refuted that it will postpone the next planned hostage release. The reason cited of a purported breach of the truce by Israel. These include Israeli gunfire in different parts of Gaza, hindrances to humanitarian aid deliveries, and some military movements inside Gaza. Hamas insists that its decision to postpone the release leaves room for diplomatic efforts to address its concerns before the deadline.
Netanyahu responded to Hamas’ announcement with a clear warning: if the hostages are not returned by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and Israel will resume its military campaign against Hamas. He underlined that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stand ready for an escalation into further operations, with troops already deployed in and around Gaza in expectation of renewed fighting.
Israeli officials on the Netanyahu line have held that Hamas’s delay should be considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Minister of Defense Israel Katz called the postponement “a complete violation,” adding that Israel would not accept any further hindrances to the ceasefire. Trump has also stated that if Hamas does not meet the deadline by Saturday, “all bets are off,” and that Israel should be ready to abandon the ceasefire completely. His comments reveal a willingness to consider the hardline approach of using this threat to force Hamas to comply, which is aggressive but necessary at this stage.
Since Netanyahu is firm in his position, several numbers of hostages to be released on Saturday have been offered in conflicting Israeli statements. While several have endorsed Trump’s call to release all hostages, some have conveyed Israel’s expectations that nine hostages will be released in a few days. Such ambiguity raises the issue of whether Israel is keen on more negotiations or setting up for an eventual return to military action.
Israeli officials have also framed their response as a reaction to Hamas’ alleged violations. One senior official stated that since Hamas has not adhered to the agreement, Israel is justified in violating it as well. This rhetoric signals that Israel is ready to shift away from negotiations and move towards a military solution if Hamas does not comply.
Hamas has accused Israel of failing to fulfil its obligations under the truce agreement. The primary complaints include delays in humanitarian aid, restrictions on medical evacuations, and continuing military operations in parts of Gaza. Such acts reportedly undermine the spirit of the agreement, according to Hamas.
Hamas delaying the release may require time to strengthen its bargaining position or perhaps test Israel’s willingness to continue the ceasefire. In other words, Hamas might believe it is better off delaying the release and allowing for diplomacy for a bit longer so it can squeeze more concessions out or ensure Israel’s follow-through on its pledges before undertaking the deal any further. Anyway, Hamas has no other option left, either comply with the deal and release hostages or face the consequences.
The ultimatum has drawn mixed reactions from international actors involved in brokering the ceasefire. The US has strongly backed Israel’s stance, with Trump’s administration pushing for an immediate release of all hostages. Meanwhile, Qatar and Egypt, which have played key roles in the negotiations, have been working behind the scenes to resolve the deadlock and prevent a collapse of the truce.
The possibility of new fighting remains high, especially given Netanyahu’s political situation. His government faces internal pressure from right-wing coalition members, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has threatened to withdraw from the government if Israel does not resume military operations. Netanyahu may see the resumption of fighting as necessary to maintain political support within his coalition. Pressure on Netanyahu also mounted from the families of the hostages to make a deal and bring back their loved ones as soon as possible.
On the other hand, a complete breakdown of the ceasefire would have severe humanitarian consequences. Gaza’s civilian population has already suffered extensive destruction, and the need for food, water, and medical aid remains critical. If fighting resumes, international organizations warn of further displacement and casualties. The common Gazans who do not want war may face severe consequences of the looming war. Hamas may prevent their suffering by just releasing the Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu’s ultimatum represents a decisive moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While his firm stance signals Israel’s readiness to return to war. Israel has already received 7.4 billion dollars of arms from the US during the visit of Netanyahu to the US. Inconsistencies in Israeli messaging raise questions about whether a complete breakdown of negotiations is inevitable. Hamas, meanwhile, continues to leverage the hostage situation to apply pressure on Israel and international mediators.
Also Read: Trump approves $7.4 Billion arms sale to Israel amid Gaza controversy
In the next few days, the chances of diplomacy salvaging the ceasefire will be determined in case fighting resumes. The tensions have now further escalated, with both sides exchanging accusations, while military preparations are, by all means, under course. If Hamas does not release hostages by Saturday, the likelihood of renewed conflict increases considerably, with implications for both Israeli security and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.