Escalating Tensions: Netanyahu and Trump Demand Hostage Release Amid Threats to Ceasefire

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warns of renewed military action if hostages are not released by Saturday noon.
• Hamas suspends further hostage releases, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms.
• President Trump threatens "all hell will break loose" if the hostages are not freed, further straining diplomatic relations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the ceasefire in Gaza will be terminated and military operations will resume unless Hamas releases the remaining hostages by Saturday noon. This ultimatum follows widespread accusations from Hamas that Israel has committed numerous violations of the ceasefire agreement that began on January 19, aimed at facilitating the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. As tensions between the two sides heighten, Trump also issued a stark warning stating that if all hostages are not returned by the deadline, "all hell is going to break out."

As of now, 16 Israeli hostages have been released under the ceasefire deal, while 76 hostages remain unaccounted for. The possibility of the ceasefire collapsing has instigated fears of renewed hostilities in the already devastated Gaza Strip, an area facing dire humanitarian conditions.

Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri stated that their group remains committed to the ceasefire but will not proceed with scheduled hostages releases without respect for their conditions. Furthermore, they accused Israel of hampering the entry of humanitarian aid and failing to allow the return of displaced Palestinians, actions Hamas views as clear violations of the ceasefire agreement.

In response to these rising tensions, Israeli military leaders have mobilized additional reservists and reinforced troop presence in the region in anticipation of potential escalation in fighting. Netanyahu’s government has prepared for every possible scenario if Hamas does not comply with the demand for hostage returns.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with mediation attempts aimed at preventing further escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for both parties to adhere fully to the ceasefire terms to avoid an immense humanitarian tragedy.

The ramifications of Trump’s proposed plan to take control of Gaza and resettle its population have raised significant concerns about regional stability. This plan has faced vehement opposition from various Arab nations, which have long rejected the forcible displacement of Palestinians, historically linked to past crises in the region.

Read more from Channel NewsAsia on the current situation in Gaza.