The Israeli government has issued a stern warning, stating that it will terminate the current ceasefire agreement in Gaza if Hamas fails to release all remaining hostages by Saturday.
This ultimatum has intensified an already fragile situation, putting diplomatic efforts to the test.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire agreement was contingent upon the phased release of hostages. “We have shown patience, but if our citizens are not returned safely, we will be left with no choice but to resume military operations,” he stated in a press conference on Wednesday.
Hamas, however, has accused Israel of failing to uphold its side of the agreement, claiming that ongoing blockades and restrictions in Gaza continue to harm civilians.
The militant group has also stated that negotiations for hostage releases are ongoing and urged for international mediators to prevent further escalation.
International organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, have been working behind the scenes to prevent a collapse of the ceasefire.
However, analysts warn that if the situation is not resolved by the weekend, a new wave of violence could erupt, worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
