Netanyahu warns of renewed Gaza violent offensive as Hamas delays hostage

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday evening that Israel will resume intense military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by midday Saturday.

His statement followed a four-hour security cabinet meeting, during which officials discussed the ongoing six-week ceasefire and recent developments.

“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated,” Netanyahu declared in a video address.

He also stated that the security cabinet supported US President Donald Trump’s demand for the immediate release of the captives, while also welcoming Trump’s vision for Gaza’s future.

Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, saying that continued attacks on Palestinians and obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries have breached the agreement.

In response, Hamas announced a delay in the upcoming hostage exchange, which had been scheduled for Saturday.

Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, asserted that Israel had not upheld its commitments over the past three weeks, leading to complications in the deal.

The group later issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the truce, but it did not confirm whether the required three hostages would be released on Saturday.

With tensions escalating, Netanyahu’s ultimatum signals that a return to full-scale military action in Gaza may be imminent if no resolution is reached before the deadline.