Gaza Truce: Israel Threatens to Resume War if Hostages Are Not Released by Saturday

Israel and Hamas at a Crossroads Over Hostages

Tensions are rising as Israel issues an ultimatum, warning that war will resume if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by Saturday. The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has rejected these threats, emphasizing that Israel must adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

International Red Cross Urges Both Sides to Maintain Ceasefire

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called on Israel and Hamas to uphold the truce in Gaza, stressing that "hundreds of thousands of lives depend on it." In a statement, the organization emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians.

The full statement from the Red Cross can be found here.

Israeli Defense Minister Warns of Renewed War

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has issued a strong warning, stating that if Hamas fails to release the hostages by Saturday, "the gates of hell will open." He suggested that the new phase of war would be even more intense than before the ceasefire. Katz also referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for Gaza, hinting that future military actions could align with American geopolitical interests.

For more on Israel’s stance, visit France24.

Palestinian Factions Respond: Hostages' Fate Depends on Netanyahu’s Actions

The military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement has issued its own statement, declaring that the fate of Israeli hostages "depends directly on Netanyahu’s actions." This message was reinforced through a video posted on Telegram by Al-Quds Brigades, which warned that any aggressive moves by Israel would negatively impact the ongoing negotiations.

Read more about Hamas and its position in the conflict here.

Hamas Rejects Israeli and U.S. Pressure

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has firmly stated that the group "will not accept threats from Israel or the United States." He reaffirmed that Israel must respect the ceasefire terms before any discussions about hostages can move forward.

For a detailed breakdown of the ceasefire agreement, visit News24Go.

What Happens Next?

With the deadline fast approaching, the world is watching closely. If Hamas does not release hostages by Saturday, Israel is likely to launch a new military offensive. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, as international organizations and mediators push both sides to maintain peace.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether Gaza sees a continuation of the ceasefire or a return to war.