In Brief

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will resume military operations if Hamas does not release hostages by Saturday.
The warning followed a delay announced by Hamas, citing alleged breaches of the ceasefire agreement by Israel.
Shortly after Netanyahu's announcement, Hamas released a statement noting that it "remains committed to the ceasefire agreement".
The current ceasefire involves exchanges where 33 Israeli hostages are released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposals for Gaza's future under U.S. control have added uncertainty to ongoing negotiations.

Situation Report

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to end the Gaza ceasefire unless all remaining hostages are released by this Saturday.

This ultimatum comes after a meeting with his security cabinet, following an announcement from Hamas that it would postpone further hostage releases due to alleged violations of the agreement by Israel.

Hamas accused Israel of hindering displaced Palestinians' return home and obstructing essential supplies into Gaza. As part of their deal brokered, Israel agreed not only on prisoner swaps but also on the gradual withdrawal from parts of Gaza alongside increased humanitarian aid delivery during this period.

Read more about the phases of the agreed ceasefire here:

A Path to Peace in Gaza: Phases and Key Elements of the Ceasefire Agreement
The agreement is supervised by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations which also serve as guarantors alongside the U.S.
diethnos • World NewsNikolas Voniatis

Despite these challenges, both sides have conducted several prisoner exchanges since the truce began last month; however, more than 70 Israeli captives remain with many believed deceased according to Israeli sources.

The situation is further complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal suggesting that Palestinians should be resettled outside Gaza, and place the Strip under American oversight—a plan widely criticized internationally.

While supporting Trump’s vision for Gaza’s future, Netanyahu emphasized that any breach in compliance could lead back to significant military action against Hamas and the overall restart of hostilities.

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

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President

Hamas "remains committed to Ceasefire"

Shortly after Netanyahu's announcement, Hamas released a statement noting that it "remains committed to the ceasefire agreement".

In its statement, Hamas also repeats its "rejection of US President Donald Trump's statements regarding the displacement of our people from the Gaza Strip under the pretext of reconstruction", while also disregarding Trump's comments as "racist".

"The Hamas movement remains committed to the ceasefire agreement as long as the occupation abides by it," the group adds, noting that the deal was brokered by mediators and witnessed by the international community.

"We emphasize that the occupation is the party that has failed to uphold its commitments, and it bears full responsibility for any complications or delays."