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The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faces a critical juncture as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an ultimatum threatening to resume military operations in Gaza. The agreement, which began on January 19, 2025, now stands at risk of collapse amid accusations of violations from both sides.
"If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the Israeli army will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," Netanyahu declared on social media. He has already ordered Israeli forces to amass around the Gaza Strip in preparation for potential military action.
Hamas responded by suspending the planned release of three captives, citing Israel's alleged violations of key provisions in the ceasefire agreement. Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, stated, "The resistance leadership monitored the enemy's violations and their noncompliance with the terms of the agreement. Meanwhile, the resistance fulfilled all its obligations."
The exchange program has resulted in the release of 21 Israeli captives thus far, traded for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Approximately 70 captives remain in Gaza, their fate now uncertain as tensions escalate. U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, warning that "all hell is going to break loose" if Hamas fails to release all captives by Saturday.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed Trump's threats, emphasizing that captives could only be brought home through mutual respect of the agreement. The situation is further complicated by reports from Israeli officials speaking anonymously to media outlets, acknowledging that Israel may have violated the agreement by restricting agreed-upon humanitarian aid deliveries.
The human cost of the conflict has been devastating. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks have resulted in 48,219 confirmed Palestinian deaths and 111,665 injuries since October 2023. The Gaza Government Media Office has revised the death toll higher to 61,709, accounting for missing persons presumed dead under the rubble.
Al Jazeera's Hamdah Salut, reporting from Amman, noted that Israeli far-right officials are advocating for a "complete fire storm" on Gaza. However, she questioned the logic behind Netanyahu's ultimatum, given that "most of Gaza has been reduced to rubble" during the previous 15 months of intense fighting.
