Israel Threatens to End Ceasefire Over Hostage Release Delay

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the ceasefire in Gaza will end if Hamas does not release hostages by Saturday noon. This comes after Hamas delayed the release of captives, saying Israel was not following the ceasefire agreement. 

In response, Netanyahu ordered Israeli forces to gather in and around Gaza, preparing for possible renewed fighting. 

Previously, Hamas had accused Israel of violating the deal by blocking humanitarian aid and preventing displaced Palestinians from returning home. Israel denies these claims and says Hamas is responsible for delaying the hostage release.

Arab countries, including Egypt and Qatar, are trying to bring both sides back to the agreement. Egypt has also proposed a plan to rebuild Gaza without forcing people to leave, unlike former U.S. President Donald Trump’s idea to relocate Palestinians and redevelop the area. 

Trump has urged Israel to cancel the ceasefire if all hostages are not released, warning that if this does not happen, "all hell will break out." Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s statement and threatened full military action if the hostages are not freed.

So far, 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been freed under the ceasefire. A total of 33 hostages and 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are set for release, though at least eight hostages are believed to be dead. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel's response has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ceasefire has allowed some aid, but renewed fighting could worsen the crisis.