Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Israel will terminate the ceasefire with Hamas if hostages held in Gaza are not returned by Saturday, pledging a resumption of “intensive fighting” in the enclave.
In a video statement, Netanyahu said the decision was unanimously approved by his cabinet ministers during a four-hour meeting. “We are united in our resolve to bring our people home,” he stated.
Hamas responded by accusing Israel of failing to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. “Israel has not fulfilled its commitments and bears full responsibility for any complications or delays,” the group said in a statement, while reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire as long as Israel abides by it.
The current ceasefire, which took effect on January 19 after 15 months of conflict, has seen 21 hostages—including 16 Israelis and five Thai nationals—released from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli prisons.
Despite the ceasefire, United Nations humanitarian workers reported that Israeli military operations in the West Bank have impeded aid delivery in Gaza. On Tuesday, UN officials expressed concern over the humanitarian situation, calling for unrestricted access to those in need.
Netanyahu’s ultimatum came after Hamas announced that the scheduled release of hostages on Saturday would be postponed indefinitely. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, said that Israel had failed to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement. “We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them,” he stated.
An Israeli delegation recently returned from Qatar, where indirect talks were held regarding the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. These developments have raised concerns about the stability of the truce and the potential for renewed conflict.
Niu Xinchun, a professor at Ningxia University’s China-Arab Research Institute, commented on the fragile state of the ceasefire. “The hard-fought ceasefire is facing its biggest crisis since implementation,” he said.
While acknowledging that both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, Niu emphasized that recent tensions could undermine efforts to resolve the conflict. “If the ceasefire is seen as a means to eliminate Hamas, it would significantly reduce their incentive to uphold the agreement,” he explained.
The international community continues to watch closely as tensions escalate, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.
