Netanyahu
Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire will end if Hamas does not return hostages by Saturday
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to end the ceasefire in Gaza if Hama goes back on release if hostages.
The full statement of the Israeli prime minister reads: “I have just concluded an in-depth four-hour discussion in the political-security cabinet.
“We all expressed outrage at the shocking situation of our three hostages who were released last Saturday.
“We all also welcomed President Trump’s demand for the release of our hostages by Saturday noon, and we all also welcomed the president’s revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza.
“In light of Hamas’ announcement of its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, last night I ordered the IDF to amass forces inside and around the Gaza Strip. This operation is taking place at these hours. It will be completed in the very near future.
“The decision that I passed unanimously in the cabinet is this: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will be terminated, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.”
BBC reports that rNetanyahu has said the ceasefire in Gaza will end and the Israeli military will “return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated” if the group does not free the hostages from Gaza “by Saturday noon”.
It is not clear from his statement how many of those hostages he is demanding are released.
So far, 16 Israeli hostages have been freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails since 19 January. Hamas has also handed over five Thai hostages.
There are remaining 17 Israeli hostages supposed to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire, although Israel says eight are dead.
Three living hostages were due to be freed on Saturday – until Hamas said it was suspending the release.
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