Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to strengthen its presence in and around Gaza as tensions rise over a fragile ceasefire. He warned that Israel would resume “intense” military operations if more hostages were not released by Saturday noon.
In a video statement on Tuesday, Netanyahu declared, “The military will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.” His ultimatum follows Donald Trump’s warning that he would let “hell break out” in Gaza if all Israeli hostages were not freed. So far, 21 hostages have been released under last month’s truce, but 76 are still believed to be held.
Hamas has halted hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, launching strikes across the enclave, and obstructing humanitarian aid.
Amid growing fears of renewed conflict, Netanyahu has directed the military to mobilize additional forces in Gaza and its surrounding areas. The Israeli military has also announced the deployment of more troops to the country’s south, including mobilizing reservists.
