'Return to intense fighting': Netanyahu warns of ending ceasefire if Hamas doesn't free hostages by Saturday
"The decision that I passed unanimously in the cabinet is this: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon - the ceasefire will be terminated," Netanyahu said. World, Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video statement warned Hamas that Israel will resume “intense fighting” in Gaza if the Palestinian militant group doesn’t release hostages by midday Saturday.
Netanyahu's statement came after a four-hour security cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Feb 11).
Also read: 'Respecting truce only way to bring hostages back', Hamas warns Trump after US president's ultimatum
"The decision that I passed unanimously in the cabinet is this: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon - the ceasefire will be terminated, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," he said.
“We all expressed outrage at the shocking situation of our three hostages who were released last Saturday,” Netanyahu added.
The Israeli premier further said that he ordered IDF forces to deploy in greater numbers inside Gaza and on the border after Hamas said that it was indefinitely postponing hostage releases.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Shah Rukh Khan, Kriti Sanon, Twinkle Khanna: 7 Bollywood celebrities with impressive academic backgrounds
)
Nitish Kumar set to take oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time, cabinet formula finalised. Check who gets what
)
Iran starts cloud seeding to induce rain amid worst drought in decades
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is Grap-2, 3 and 4? How does it help in reducing pollution in Delhi
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Gen Z protest in Mexico: What is significance of 'straw hat pirate' flags, and where else were they used?
)
‘Normal operations can resume’: FAA lifts flight cuts as longest US government shutdown ends
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Day vs Night': When is the best time to fill petrol in your car?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
IPL 2026 retention list: 5 biggest high-value releases
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tokyo to Delhi: The 7 most populated cities on Earth in 2025 — Check the full list
)
'Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing': Ex-US prez reacts after Trump declares DOJ will probe his connection to Epstein case. Details inside
)
Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel
)
Pentagon confirms 21st strike on alleged drug boat, kills three in international waters. Watch video
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Global Firepower Index: Top 7 countries ranked by military strength - Is India among the top 5?
)
Saudi Arabia bus-tanker collision: At least 42 Indians feared dead as Umrah bus collides with diesel tanker near Medina
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters fastest to 9000 runs in ODIs
)
SHOCKING! Indian Sikh woman on pilgrimage to Pakistan converted to Islam, married local resident: Police
)
Most advanced US aircraft carrier arrives in Caribbean in major buildup near Venezuela
)
Afghanistan dumps Pakistan trade amid conflict, turns to Iran and India
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
10 futuristic trains currently in development around the world
)
‘We have nothing to hide’: Trump takes a U-turn, backs release of Epstein files
"In light of Hamas' announcement of its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, last night I ordered the IDF to amass forces inside and around the Gaza Strip. This operation is taking place at these hours. It will be completed in the very near future," he said.
"We all also welcomed President Trump's demand for the release of our hostages by Saturday noon, and we all also welcomed the president's revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza," he added.
Also read: Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15
Trump says he doesn't expect Hamas to meet Saturday deadline
Meanwhile,Trump on Tuesday said that he did not expect Hamas to meet a Saturday deadline to release more hostages.
Trump on Monday issued a stern ultimatum, warning that "all hell" will break loose unless all hostages held in Gaza are released by Saturday.
This came after Hamas said that it would indefinitely delay the next scheduled exchange of hostages and prisoners under the current ceasefire agreement with Israel. The Palestinian militant group accused Israel of failing to uphold its commitments.
"The release of the prisoners (Israeli hostages), whichwas scheduledfor next Saturday,February 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, pending theoccupation'scompliance and retroactive fulfilment of the pastweeks'obligations," said Abu Ubaida, a spokesperson for Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
(With inputs from agencies)
