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Edited by: TJVNews.com
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, warning that if Israeli hostages are not returned by noon on Saturday, Feb. 15, the ceasefire will be terminated, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume military operations until Hamas is completely defeated. The Jewish News Syndicate reported on Tuesday that Netanyahu’s statement comes after extensive deliberations within Israel’s security cabinet, as tensions mount over Hamas’s ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement.
According to the JNS report, Netanyahu’s warning came just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump also issued a firm statement, setting Saturday, Feb. 15 at noon as the deadline for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages. Trump warned that if Hamas failed to comply, “all hell will break loose.”
Netanyahu acknowledged Trump’s statement and praised his “revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza”, which was welcomed by the Israeli security cabinet, according to JNS. The vision for post-war Gaza, as advocated by Trump and Israeli officials, includes the dismantling of Hamas, a strong Israeli security presence, and the implementation of an alternative governance structure that ensures security and stability.
Netanyahu noted that his government spent four hours in in-depth discussions on the hostage crisis before concluding that Hamas must release the hostages immediately or face the full force of the IDF, as was reported by JNS. This announcement highlights the increasing frustration within the Israeli government and military over the continued captivity of Israeli citizens and the lack of tangible progress in diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu emphasized that his cabinet was deeply outraged by the condition of the three hostages freed last Saturday. Their shocking physical and psychological state after months in captivity has intensified Israeli anger and resolve to take stronger action against Hamas.
“We all expressed outrage at the shocking state of our three hostages who were freed last Saturday. We all also welcomed President Trump’s demand for the release of our hostages by noon on Saturday,” Netanyahu wrote in his statement, as cited by JNS.
The release of these hostages has only reinforced Israeli concerns that those still held by Hamas may be enduring similar or even worse conditions, fueling the Israeli government’s determination to push for their immediate return—by force if necessary.
Netanyahu further announced that he has ordered the IDF to amass forces in and around Gaza in response to Hamas’s refusal to comply with the terms of the ceasefire. According to JNS, this mobilization is already underway and is expected to be completed soon.
Israeli military analysts cited by JNS note that the IDF’s combat readiness has remained high despite the temporary ceasefire, with forces conducting targeted operations and gathering intelligence on Hamas’s positions and infrastructure. Reports indicate that Israeli armored divisions, special forces units, and air force assets are in position to launch immediate strikes should Hamas fail to meet the deadline.
In his official statement, Netanyahu confirmed that unless Hamas meets the Saturday deadline, the ceasefire will be over, and Israel will resume military operations with the goal of Hamas’s complete defeat, JNS reported.
“Unless Hamas returns our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end and the IDF will resume intensive fighting until Hamas is totally defeated,” Netanyahu declared, according to JNS.
