Israel Gives Final Day To End Ceasefire If Hostages In Gaza Reman In Captivity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the ceasefire in Gaza will end if the Palestinian militant group Hamas fails to release hostages by midday Saturday.

Amid Netanyahu’s ultimatum, the Palestinian militant group issued a statement renewing its commitment to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of jeopardizing it.

The Israeli announcement comes after its Prime Minister met with several key ministers, including those of defense, foreign affairs, and national security.

Hamas has gradually been releasing hostages since the first phase of the ceasefire began on January 19.

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However, on Monday, it said it would not release any more until further notice, accusing Israel of violating the deal.

Netanyahu also said he had ordered the military to gather forces inside and around Gaza, with the military announcing shortly after that it was deploying additional forces to Israel’s south, including the mobilization of reservists.

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Recall that President Donald Trump of the United States, a close ally of Israel, has said that Hamas should release all of the hostages by Saturday.