Israel has warned Hamas of serious consequences as tensions over the ceasefire put the fragile truce at risk.
On Wednesday, Israel’s defence minister issued a stark warning, declaring that “all hell will break loose” if the militant group fails to release hostages as scheduled this weekend. His comments came as mediators rushed to save the deal.
The dispute arose when Hamas accused Israel of failing to meet its commitments under the deal, particularly the supply of aid, including tents and other essential supplies. The militant group claimed they would delay the next hostage release in response.
Israel warns of ‘
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted sharply to Hamas’ threat to delay the hostage release, vowing to resume military action if the group failed to comply. He also ordered Israeli forces to bolster their positions around Gaza, despite their withdrawal from populated areas under the ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu is under immense pressure from multiple sides. Some of his political allies are pushing for an immediate resumption of the war after the first phase of the ceasefire, while others are demanding that he prioritise the release of hostages. The frail condition of the three hostages freed last Saturday has fueled public anger, with many demanding stronger government action to bring others home.
On Wednesday, defence minister Israel Katz doubled own on the words of US President Donald Trump, warning that if Hamas failed to follow through on the deal, “all hell will break loose.” He added, “If Hamas stops releasing the hostages, then there is no deal and there is war.”
He said the “new Gaza war” wouldn’t end until Hamas was defeated, which would allow for Trump’s “vision” on transferring Gaza’s population to neighboring countries to be realized.
Katz further stated that Israel’s objective remains the complete defeat of Hamas, which, he argued, would align with Trump’s vision of relocating Gaza’s population to neighbouring countries. However, this proposal has been widely condemned by Arab nations.
Trump on Gaza
Earlier this week Donald Trump had suggested that Palestinians should be relocated from Gaza so the US can take control of rebuilding the area. His proposal has been strongly rejected by neighbouring Arab countries, especially Egypt and Jordan. After meeting Trump at the White House on Tuesday, Jordan’s King Abdullah II reaffirmed his opposition to any forced relocation of Palestinians.
Trump also said the US wouldn’t need to “buy Gaza” as it is already war-torn and could be taken without cost. He claimed this would create jobs for people in the Middle East. Additionally, he called for Hamas to release all hostages at once instead of in phases, a stance that has strengthened Israel’s demand for more hostages to be freed this Saturday.
Furthermore, Trump on Tuesday described Hamas as “bullies,” criticising the group for delaying the release of hostages in Gaza. “They want to play tough guy, but we’ll see how tough they are,” Trump told reporters at a White House news conference.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 19, paused the 16-month-long war in Gaza. Under its first phase, Israel agreed to supply large amounts of humanitarian aid, while Hamas was required to release 33 hostages taken during its October 7 attack. Of those hostages, eight are believed to be dead, and 21 have been released so far. In return, Israel has freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the tensions, there were signs of progress in negotiations. An Egyptian official familiar with the talks said both sides were close to an agreement, with Israel reportedly committing to delivering more tents, shelters, and heavy equipment to Gaza. However, Hamas insists that Israel has not yet met all its obligations, including the agreed-upon aid deliveries.
Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawi said there were “positive signals” that the three hostages would be released as planned on Saturday
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem has dismissed Israeli and US threats, urging Israel to uphold the ceasefire terms.