Hamas has announced that it is suspending the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and halting the release of Israeli hostages, citing alleged violations by Israel.
This decision has prompted strong reactions from both Israel and the United States, with ultimatums issued by Israeli authorities and US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu’s Warning and Growing Concerns Over Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas that if it does not return hostages by Saturday, the ceasefire will be terminated, and military operations will resume. Following a four-hour meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, Netanyahu ordered Israeli forces to amass in and around Gaza, preparing for a potential military escalation.
Uncertainty remains over whether Netanyahu is demanding the release of all 76 remaining hostages or only the three scheduled for release on Saturday. While some Israeli officials suggested that the ceasefire could continue if Hamas proceeds with the planned release, others, such as Transport Minister Miri Regev, insisted that all hostages must be freed. Reports indicate that Israel may also be seeking the release of an additional nine hostages from the first phase of the deal.
Hamas’ Allegations and Israel’s Response
Hamas justified its decision to freeze the ceasefire by alleging three key Israeli violations:
- Restrictions on Movement – Hamas claimed that Israel was preventing displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza.
- Israeli Military Actions – The group accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of opening fire in various areas, in violation of the agreement.
- Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid – Hamas asserted that Israel was blocking vital humanitarian assistance from reaching civilians.
Israel has firmly denied these claims. Officials state that IDF troops withdrew from designated corridors, allowing unrestricted movement, but that northern Gaza remains largely uninhabitable due to previous military operations.
The IDF also insists that any gunfire was directed at armed individuals approaching Israeli positions and was not a breach of the ceasefire. Moreover, Israeli sources reported that over 800 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily, refuting accusations of obstruction.
Trump’s Support and Regional Implications
Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Netanyahu’s ultimatum, arguing that if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday, Israel should cancel the ceasefire and escalate military operations. He warned that negotiations should not be conducted in a piecemeal manner and that only the complete release of all captives should justify continuing the agreement.
Hamas has responded by reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire while blaming Israel for any breakdown in negotiations. The group has urged mediators—including the US, Qatar, and Egypt—to address its grievances.
Reports indicate that Arab states are pressuring Hamas to adhere to the deal, while Egypt has proposed a “comprehensive vision” for Gaza’s reconstruction that does not involve population displacement.
Military Readiness and Potential Escalation
The IDF has significantly increased its readiness in response to Hamas’ decision. The Southern Command has been reinforced with additional troops, and reservists have been recalled to active duty. Military leaves have been suspended indefinitely, a strong indication that Israel is preparing for renewed combat operations.
Hamas, anticipating an escalation, has reportedly instructed its operatives in Gaza to avoid using mobile phones due to fears of Israeli intelligence tracking and targeted strikes. Israeli reconnaissance efforts in Gaza have reportedly intensified, and reports suggest that Hamas has discovered surveillance devices camouflaged within debris, further raising tensions.
The Uncertain Path Ahead
With Hamas refusing to release hostages and Israel refusing further concessions, the coming 48 hours will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire remains intact.
The potential collapse of the agreement has heightened concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 48,000 people have reportedly been killed since the war began. Large portions of the population remain displaced, and severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies persist.
For Hamas, the challenge remains in maintaining an image of victory despite the widespread devastation in Gaza. However, with Israel standing firm and refusing to negotiate under duress, Hamas’ leverage appears increasingly limited. If no last-minute resolution is reached, the ceasefire agreement is likely to collapse, plunging the region into another phase of intense conflict.
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