Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened on Tuesday to withdraw from the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ordered troops to prepare for a resumption of fighting against Hamas if the Palestinian militant group does not release more hostages by Saturday. Tensions are escalating as Hamas has delayed the release of three hostages, citing Israel's alleged breach of the truce terms, while President Trump has demanded the unconditional release of all remaining hostages.
Israel 's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning on Tuesday, threatening to withdraw from the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and instructing troops to prepare for a resumption of fighting against Hamas if the Palestinian militant group fails to release more hostages by Saturday.
Tensions are escalating as Hamas has reiterated its intention to postpone the release of three additional hostages, citing Israel's alleged breach of the truce terms, particularly regarding the restricted flow of aid and tents into Gaza. Adding fuel to the fire, United States President Donald Trump, in a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House, expressed his belief that Hamas would not meet the deadline for releasing all remaining hostages. Trump's forceful stance, characterized by skepticism towards Hamas's commitment and demands for the unconditional release of all hostages, has injected further volatility into the already delicate situation.Since the ceasefire came into effect, Hamas has released 21 hostages in a series of five exchanges, securing the freedom of over 730 Palestinian prisoners in return. The second phase of the agreement outlines the return of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce. However, Trump's pronouncements regarding both the impending releases and his vision for postwar Gaza have threatened to unravel its fragile framework. Netanyahu's threat, the scope of which remains unclear, casts a shadow of uncertainty over the already precarious ceasefire. It is unclear whether the threat pertains to the three hostages slated for release on Saturday or encompasses all remaining hostages, deviating from the agreed-upon terms. Netanyahu's office, aligning with Trump's demands, stated that Israel is 'sticking to Trump's announcement regarding the release of the hostages.'Amidst this volatile backdrop, Netanyahu's office has also directed the military to mobilize troops stationed on and around the Gaza Strip, preparing for potential scenarios that could arise. Trump has explicitly stated that Israel should revoke the entire ceasefire if all approximately 70 remaining hostages are not freed by Saturday. Hamas, however, has dismissed Trump's threat, asserting its commitment to the ceasefire while accusing Israel of violations. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri emphasized the importance of both parties adhering to the terms of the agreement, stating that 'the language of threats has no value; it only complicates matters.' Hamas further condemned Trump's remarks, characterizing them as a 'call for ethnic cleansing' and accusing him of attempting to 'liquidate the Palestinian cause and deny the national rights of the Palestinian people.'Adding another layer of complexity, Trump has exerted pressure on Jordan to accommodate Gazan refugees, potentially on a permanent basis, as part of his ambitious plan to reshape the Middle East. During his meeting with King Abdullah, Trump asserted, 'We're not going to buy anything. We're going to have it,' referring to US control over Gaza. King Abdullah, while repeatedly questioned about Trump's plan to reconfigure the Middle East and the potential influx of Gazan refugees into Jordan, refrained from making substantial comments. However, he did express Jordan's willingness to immediately accept up to 2,000 sick children from Gaza. Recent statements by Trump suggesting that any Palestinians expelled from Gaza would be denied the right to return have sparked outrage from Palestinians and the international community.
GAZA STRIPE HAMAS ISRAEL BENJAMIN NETANYAHU DONALD TRUMP CEASEFIRE HOSTAGES JORDAN
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