Final warning? Israel signal war’s return if captives remain in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, stating that if the group does not release Israeli hostages by noon on Saturday, February 15, 2025, Israel will terminate the current ceasefire and resume intense military operations in Gaza until Hamas is decisively defeated. 

Israel defense forces (IDF)

This announcement follows Hamas's recent decision to delay the release of additional hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, including hindrances in the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries. In response to these developments, Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to bolster their presence in and around the Gaza Strip, preparing for a potential escalation if the hostages are not released by the specified deadline. 

Ceasefire agreement

U.S. President Donald Trump has echoed Netanyahu's stance, demanding that Hamas release all remaining hostages by the same deadline. Trump warned that failure to do so would lead to severe consequences, stating that if the hostages are not returned by noon on Saturday, "all hell is going to break out." Hamas has dismissed these threats, emphasizing that adherence to the ceasefire agreement by all parties is the only viable path to securing the hostages' release. A senior Hamas official stated, "The language of threats has no value and only complicates matters." 

Humanitarian aid to Gaza

The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, was established to facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners and to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the situation remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement. As the Saturday deadline approaches, tensions are escalating, and the potential for renewed conflict looms if a resolution is not reached.

Gaza strip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, stating that if the group does not release Israeli hostages by noon on Saturday, February 15, 2025, Israel will terminate the current ceasefire and resume intense military operations in Gaza until Hamas is decisively defeated. This announcement follows Hamas's recent decision to delay the release of additional hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, including hindrances in the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries. Developments, Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to bolster their presence in and around the Gaza Strip, preparing for a potential escalation if the hostages are not released by the specified deadline. 

Netanyahu's stance

U.S. President Donald Trump has echoed Netanyahu's stance, demanding that Hamas release all remaining hostages by the same deadline. Trump warned that failure to do so would lead to severe consequences, stating that if the hostages are not returned by noon on Saturday, "all hell is going to break out." Hamas has dismissed these threats, emphasizing that adherence to the ceasefire agreement by all parties is the only viable path to securing the hostages' release. A senior Hamas official stated, "The language of threats has no value and only complicates matters." 

Hostages and prisoners

The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, was established to facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners and to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the situation remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement. As the Saturday deadline approaches, tensions are escalating, and the potential for renewed conflict looms if a resolution is not reached.