Netanyahu Threatens Ceasefire Withdrawal Amid Hostage Tensions with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the potential withdrawal from the ceasefire in Gaza, The Associated Press reports.

He directed Israeli troops to prepare for a resumption of military action against Hamas unless the militant group releases additional hostages scheduled for Saturday.

Hamas announced on Monday, and reiterated on Tuesday, its intention to postpone the release of three more hostages. The group accuses Israel of failing to comply with the ceasefire agreement, particularly by not allowing the agreed-upon number of tents and humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Amid rising tensions, US President Donald Trump encouraged Israel to demand the release of even more hostages on Saturday. He expressed skepticism over Hamas’ willingness to meet this deadline:

“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 began, Hamas has released 21 hostages through five exchanges in return for over 730 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase of the agreement calls for the recovery of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce. However, Trump’s statements surrounding the anticipated releases and his plans for post-war Gaza have contributed to the fracturing of the fragile arrangement.

It remains unclear whether Netanyahu’s threat pertains specifically to the three hostages scheduled for release on Saturday or to all remaining hostages, which would diverge from the stipulated terms of the ceasefire. Netanyahu’s office expressed support for Trump’s demand for further hostage releases.

As Trump reiterated his stance during a press conference, an Israeli official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Israel was adhering to Trump’s request regarding hostages and insisted that all remaining individuals would be released by Saturday.

Netanyahu’s office also stated it had ordered the military to mobilize troops near the Gaza Strip in preparation for possible developments.

Trump has suggested that Israel could abandon the ceasefire entirely if the approximately 70 hostages are not freed by the set deadline. In response, Hamas dismissed his comments, reiterating that the ceasefire agreement must be upheld by all parties involved. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri stated that Trump must recognize the necessity of mutual respect for the terms of the agreement to facilitate the return of prisoners, characterizing the language of threats as counterproductive.

The group condemned Trump’s remarks, referring to them as a “call for ethnic cleansing” and accusing him of undermining the Palestinian cause and rights.

Despite reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire, Hamas did not clarify its plans regarding the proposed suspension of hostage releases as outlined in the initial phase of the agreement.

In related developments, President Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House. According to reports, Trump is increasing pressure on Jordan to accept refugees from Gaza, potentially on a permanent basis, as part of an extensive plan to reform the Middle East.

During the meeting, Trump remarked on US intentions regarding Gaza:

“We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it,” while King Abdullah remained largely non-committal on the host of questions regarding the proposed changes and potential refugee settlements.

The king did indicate that Jordan would be prepared to accept as many as 2,000 children in Gaza suffering from cancer or other illnesses “right away.” Last week, the World Health Organization reported that between 12,000 and 14,000 patients in Gaza still require medical evacuation, including approximately 5,000 children.