Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have issued stark warnings to Hamas, demanding the release of all remaining hostages by noon on Saturday or face severe consequences.
Netanyahu declared that if the hostages are not freed by the deadline, the current ceasefire will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume intense combat operations until Hamas is “effectively defeated.”
The ultimatums come as tensions escalate following Hamas’ decision to delay the release of three Israeli hostages scheduled for this weekend. The terror group has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, including by not allowing sufficient humanitarian aid, such as tents and shelters, into the devastated Gaza Strip.
“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense combat until Hamas is effectively defeated,” Netanyahu stated in a post on social media.
The Israeli Prime Minister has also ordered the military to increase troop presence in and around the Gaza Strip, signaling preparations for a potential resumption of hostilities. An Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the troop buildup to the Associated Press, emphasizing Israel’s readiness to act if Hamas fails to comply.
Echoing Netanyahu’s demands, President Trump delivered a forceful warning to Hamas during a press briefing in the Oval Office on Monday. “As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say, cancel it, and all bets are off, and let hell break out,” Trump declared.
The President emphasized that the release must include all hostages, not partial or incremental returns. “And if they’re not returned—all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two—by Saturday at 12 o’clock, all hell is going to break out,” he said.
READ: Trump Pauses FCPA Enforcement In Bid To Boost American Business Abroad
While Trump did not specify the exact consequences of missing the deadline, he hinted at the possibility of military action. When asked if U.S. troops might be deployed to the region, Trump responded cryptically, “We’ll see what happens.” He added, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out too. Hamas will find out what I mean.”
Trump also expressed deep concern about the condition of the remaining hostages, suggesting that many may already be dead. “Based on what I saw over the last few days, they’re not going to be alive for long,” he said, comparing their condition to that of “Holocaust victims.”
Hamas has brushed off the ultimatums, insisting that any further hostage releases will occur only within the framework of the existing ceasefire. The terror group has accused Israel of failing to provide adequate humanitarian supplies to Gaza, particularly in the heavily damaged northern region.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated that hostages would only be freed if Israel abides by the ceasefire agreement reached last month. “Trump must remember there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties,” he said.
READ: Democratic Lawmakers Accused Of Inciting Violence With “Street Fight” Rhetoric Against Trump Agenda
The delay has sparked outrage in Israel, with families of the hostages gathering outside the Ministry of Defense to demand action. Meanwhile, international organizations have called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer from the devastating effects of the conflict.
The current ceasefire, brokered in January, has seen the release of 21 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, the agreement remains fragile, with both sides accusing the other of violations.
If Hamas fails to meet the Saturday deadline, the region could see a rapid escalation of violence. Netanyahu’s warning underscores Israel’s determination to secure the release of its citizens and dismantle Hamas’ capabilities.
However, a resumption of hostilities would likely result in significant casualties and further humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.