"If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday at noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense fighting until Hamas is decisively defeated," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday evening following a cabinet meeting.
The prime minister added, "I have just concluded a four-hour in-depth discussion in the Cabinet. We all expressed outrage over the horrifying condition of the three hostages who were released last Saturday. We also welcomed President Trump's demand for the release of our hostages by Saturday noon and praised his revolutionary vision for Gaza's future.
"In light of Hamas' announcement of its decision to violate the agreement and refuse to release our hostages, I instructed the IDF last night to amass forces inside and around the Gaza Strip. This operation is currently underway and will be completed as soon as possible."
A senior political official stated after the cabinet meeting that Israel demands the release of all nine remaining humanitarian hostages alive within days. "Hamas violated the agreement, and therefore, there will be no progress in implementing the next stages of the deal or in negotiations on Phase Two."
Sources familiar with the details said the cabinet has adopted both elements of Trump's framework: redefining the terms for future hostage negotiations and the evacuation of Gaza's residents from the Strip. Ministers have been instructed not to give interviews on the situation in Gaza. However, Netanyahu's statement did not mention the release of all hostages as per Trump's remarks, but rather only the three hostages designated for the next phase.
President Donald Trump addressed the hostage situation in Gaza overnight (Monday to Tuesday), stating that if all hostages are not released by Saturday at 12 noon, the ceasefire should be scrapped. and "let hell break out." He declared, "If they are not all released, not one, two, or three, then afterward, let all hell break out."
