Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a final ultimatum on Tuesday (February 11), demanding that the Palestinian militant group Hamas release hostages before noon on Saturday, otherwise the Gaza ceasefire will end and military operations will resume. This statement triggered a strong reaction from Hamas, and tensions between the two sides escalated once again. At the same time, US President Trump also called on Hamas to release hostages, further exacerbating the complexity of the situation.

Netanyahu's ultimatum

After meeting with senior officials such as the Defense Minister, Foreign Minister, and National Security Minister, Netanyahu announced that if Hamas fails to release hostages by Saturday noon, Israel will end the ceasefire and resume military operations until Hamas is defeated. He said, "If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end and the Israeli Defense Forces will resume intense fighting until Hamas is ultimately defeated

It is currently unclear whether Netanyahu is requesting the release of all detained hostages or only the three hostages expected to be released on Saturday under the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

2. Hamas' response and accusations

Hamas reiterated its ceasefire commitment in the statement and accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. Hamas officials have stated that Israeli hostages can only return home if they comply with the ceasefire agreement and have ignored "threatening language". Hamas also accuses Israel of causing multiple deadly shooting incidents, withholding aid supplies, and obstructing Gaza residents from returning to the northern region, which violates the ceasefire agreement.

Israel denies withholding aid supplies and explains that the shooting was aimed at those who ignored Israeli military warnings. Israeli media reported that 76 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with over 35 reportedly dead.

3. Trump's Intervention and Israel's Military Preparedness

US President Trump, as a close ally of Israel, also called on Hamas to release all hostages before Saturday. Netanyahu stated that he has ordered the Israeli military to assemble troops within and around Gaza, and plans to deploy additional troops to southern Israel, including mobilizing reserve soldiers. This move indicates that Israel is preparing for possible military action.

4. Prospects for ceasefire and regional situation

Netanyahu's ultimatum has put the fate of a ceasefire in Gaza on the brink. If Hamas fails to meet Israel's demands, the ceasefire may quickly break down, leading to a new round of conflict. At the same time, Hamas' accusations and Israel's military deployment have further heightened tensions, making the prospects for regional peace even more uncertain.

summary

Netanyahu's ultimatum has pushed the fate of the Gaza ceasefire to a critical juncture. Hamas' response and Trump's intervention have made the situation more complicated, while Israel's military readiness suggests that the conflict could escalate at any time. In the coming days, the continuation of the ceasefire will depend on whether Hamas releases hostages and whether both sides can ease tensions through diplomatic channels.