Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally reacted to Hamas’ announcement of not releasing Israeli hostages. Netanyahu threatened to pull out of the whole agreement if Hamas doesn’t release the hostages within the given deadline. Israel has warned Hamas to release the hostages by Saturday noon. The warning by the Israel PM follows Hamas’ declaration where it cited ‘violation’ of the ceasefire-hostage deal and declared not to release the hostages.

What Did Netanyahu Say?

Netanyahu stated that if the Hamas fails to abide, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will return to intense fighting until the group is finally defeated. Sharing a post on X, Israel PM said, “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.”

The Israeli PM also said that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) forces have been mobilised inside and around the Gaza Strip, and will resume intense military action to ‘finally defeat’ Hamas if ceasefire fails.

The office of the Prime Minister of Israel wrote on X, “In light of Hamas’s announcement regarding its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, last night I instructed the IDF to amass forces inside – and surrounding – the Gaza Strip. This action is being carried out at this hour and will be completed very soon.”

“The unanimous decision that I passed in the Cabinet is as follows: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas,” added the PMO.

Trump’s Chilling Warning To Hamas

Earlier, United States President Donald Trump had also warned Hamas. Trump had given an ultimatum to Hamas on releasing the hostages held by the terror group. The president on Monday said that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas should be cancelled if the militant outfit doesn’t release the remaining hostages from Gaza by midday on Saturday, saying that otherwise “all hell is going to break out”.

“But as far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday 12 o’clock — I think it’s an appropriate time — I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” Trump said.

However, he also acknowledged that such a decision would be up to Israel. “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.” he added.