Israeli cabinet backs Trump’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday deadline

Israel’s Security Cabinet Backs Trump’s Demand for Hamas to Release Hostages

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an urgent meeting with his security cabinet to address the growing tensions in the Gaza Strip. The meeting came after Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group, announced its decision to delay the next release of Israeli hostages. Netanyahu emerged from the meeting with a clear and resolute message: if Hamas does not release all Israeli hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will resume intense military operations until Hamas is decisively defeated. This stance was unanimously supported by Israel’s security cabinet, signaling a united front against Hamas’s actions.

Netanyahu’s statement was direct and firm: "The decision I passed in the Cabinet unanimously is this: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense combat until Hamas is decisively defeated." He also revealed that he had instructed the IDF to amass forces inside and around the Gaza Strip, with the operation already underway. This move underscores Israel’s readiness to take decisive action if Hamas fails to comply with the deadline.

Trump Calls for Ceasefire to Be Canceled If Hostages Are Not Released

The Israeli government’s tough stance was bolstered by strong support from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump demanded that Hamas release all hostages by Saturday at noon, warning that if they fail to do so, the ceasefire should be canceled. "If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire," Trump said. "Let all hell break out; Israel can override it." Trump’s rhetoric was unambiguous, emphasizing that Hamas must release all hostages, not in partial or incremental measures, but entirely and without delay. He reiterated his belief that Hamas would heed his warning, adding, "Saturday at 12 p.m. and after that, I would say, all hell is going to break out."

Trump’s statements were not just a display of support for Israel but also a reflection of his broader vision for the future of Gaza, which Netanyahu described as "revolutionary." Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s vision, signaling a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding a sustainable path forward for the region. However, the immediate focus remains on the release of hostages and the fragility of the current ceasefire.

Hamas Delays Hostage Release, Accuses Israel of Ceasefire Violations

Hamas’s decision to delay the next hostage release was justified by the group as a response to what it claims are Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. A spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing, Abu Obeida, alleged that Israel had failed to uphold its obligations under the agreement, including delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip, targeting civilians with shelling and gunfire, and blocking the entry of relief supplies. "Over the past three weeks, the resistance leadership has monitored the enemy’s violations and failure to fulfill its obligations under the agreement," Abu Obeida said. Hamas claims that it has fulfilled its own obligations under the agreement, including the release of hostages, but feels compelled to delay further releases due to Israel’s alleged non-compliance.

The current ceasefire, now in its sixth week, was agreed upon after Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which the group captured numerous Israeli civilians and soldiers. Since then, there have been five hostage exchange swaps, resulting in the release of 21 Israeli hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners. The next exchange, initially scheduled for the following Saturday, was set to free three more Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas’s announcement to delay this exchange has thrown the process into jeopardy, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed violence.

Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Deception, Vows to Hold the Group Accountable

Netanyahu and the Israeli government have categorically denied Hamas’s claims of ceasefire violations, dismissing them as a "deception scheme" aimed at justifying Hamas’s own failures. Israel maintains that it has adhered to the terms of the ceasefire and that Hamas’s accusations are baseless. Netanyahu has been clear that Israel will not tolerate any further delays or excuses from Hamas, emphasizing that the group must be held accountable for its actions.

The rhetorical battle between Israel and Hamas highlights the deep mistrust and animosity that have defined the conflict for decades. While Hamas frames itself as a "resistance" movement fighting against Israeli occupation, Israel and much of the international community view Hamas as a terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks on civilians. This fundamentally opposing narratives make any negotiated resolution extremely challenging.

The Broader Context and Implications of the Conflict

The current standoff over the hostages and the ceasefire is just the latest chapter in a conflict that has plagued the region for generations. At its core, the issue is a deeply complex web of historical grievances, competing claims to land, and a profound sense of injustice on both sides. For Israelis, the release of the hostages is not just a humanitarian matter but also a test of their government’s ability to protect its citizens and deter future attacks. For Palestinians, the release of prisoners is a vital issue tied to their struggle for self-determination and freedom from what they view as Israeli oppression.

The international community, particularly the United States, plays a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. Trump’s involvement, while supportive of Israel, also reflects the broader geopolitical interests at play. His call for "all hell to break out" if the hostages are not released by the deadline underscores the high stakes and the potential for a dramatic escalation in violence. At the same time, Netanyahu’s praise for Trump’s "revolutionary vision" for Gaza suggests that there may be longer-term plans to address the economic and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, though the details of such a vision remain unclear.

What’s Next?

As the Saturday deadline approaches, the world waits with bated breath to see how the situation will unfold. If Hamas fails to release the hostages by noon, Israel has made it clear that it will not hesitate to resume military operations, potentially leading to widespread violence and further destabilization of the region. On the other hand, if Hamas complies with the demand, it could pave the way for further hostage exchanges and potentially even broader negotiations.

Regardless of the immediate outcome, the deeper issues driving the conflict remain unresolved. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ongoing displacement of Palestinians, and the security concerns of Israel all require comprehensive and sustained attention. While the current focus is on the hostages and the ceasefire, the long-term solution will depend on a willingness to address these underlying issues with courage, compassion, and a commitment to justice and peace for all.