Following Hamas’s announcement that it will not comply with the terms of the hostage deal set for this coming Saturday, President Donald Trump issued a firm ultimatum. If all hostages are not released by this Saturday, Israel will resume full-scale military operations in Gaza.
Despite Trump’s firm stance, Israel’s official response has been more ambiguous. No explicit commitment has been made regarding the release of all hostages, with statements instead focusing on enforcing the original agreement.
“Israel Will Resume the War with Unprecedented Force”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s alignment with Trump’s demand but stressed that the final decision will depend on developments on the ground. “If Hamas does not release the hostages, Israel will resume the war with unprecedented force,” Netanyahu declared.
Minister Eli Cohen echoed this position in an interview, stating, “Israel fully supports President Trump’s stance and stands by his demand.” A statement from Israel’s War Cabinet similarly backed the American president’s ultimatum. It remains unclear, however, whether this demand pertains to the release of all hostages or only a portion of them.
Overnight reports indicate that Israel conveyed a message to mediators that if Hamas fulfills its commitment to release three hostages on Saturday as previously agreed, the deal will continue.
The IDF Increases Combat Readiness in Gaza
While diplomatic efforts continue, the IDF has raised its alert level and begun operational preparations for a potential resumption of fighting.
Following directives from the War Cabinet, the Southern Command has significantly reinforced troops in anticipation of renewed combat. This includes an expanded call-up of reservists, ensuring the military is prepared for any scenario.
Hamas Prepares for Renewed Fighting, Fears Targeted Strikes
Reports from within Gaza suggest that Hamas is also preparing for an Israeli military return. The terrorist group has reportedly instructed its field commanders to cease using mobile phones due to concerns that Israeli intelligence is monitoring their movements and planning targeted assassinations.
Resistance to Trump’s Gaza Relocation Plan
As tensions rise over the hostage deal, Trump’s proposal for voluntary Palestinian relocation from Gaza continues to spark international controversy.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with Trump at the White House, where he agreed to accept approximately 2,000 children from Gaza. However, he later issued a separate statement reaffirming Jordan’s opposition to any plan that would result in the forced displacement of Palestinian residents from Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron also criticized the idea, telling CNN, “The solution for Gaza cannot be based on a real estate strategy. You cannot simply relocate two million Palestinians.”
Meanwhile, Egypt, which plays a central role in the hostage negotiations, has reiterated its firm rejection of Palestinian resettlement. Senior Egyptian officials stated that they would not accept Gazans into Egyptian territory and reaffirmed their opposition to the plan.
Trump remains optimistic about his proposal to relocate Gazans to countries such as Jordan and Egypt.
