Israel may resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to release hostages
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip if Hamas fails to release hostages by noon on Saturday, February 15, The Times of Israel reports.
"If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," Netanyahu stated.
Additionally, The Times of Israel reports that, according to an Israeli official, Hamas is expected to release nine more hostages by Saturday.
Hamas statements
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida accused Israel of failing to uphold the ceasefire agreement, demanding compensation from the Israeli government. He warned that if Israel does not meet this demand, Hamas will not release the hostages as planned on February 15.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that such statements from Hamas represent a clear violation of the ceasefire.
He instructed Israeli forces to prepare for any possible scenario in the Gaza Strip.
It is important to note that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants began less than a month ago.
