Joint-Statement-between-the-People’s-Republic-of-China-and-the-Islamic-Republic-of-Pakistan (2)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to terminate the cease-fire and resume the assault in Gaza if Hamas does not release its hostages by Saturday. On Tuesday, Netanyahu tweeted on X, threatening a “return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated”. His remarks come as Hamas has threatened to postpone Saturday’s planned hostage release “until further notice,” accusing Israel of violating the agreement. It is unclear whether Netanyahu’s directive applied to the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza or only the three set for release on Saturday. According to reports, Netanyahu has also instructed the army to increase troop presence in and around Gaza.

Meanwhile, after meeting Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump stated that he did not anticipate Hamas to free all of the prisoners as he had demanded. “I don’t think they’re (Hamas) going to meet the deadline,” the president stated. “They want to play tough guy. “We will see how tough they are.”

Tensions over the Gaza ceasefire have risen as Trump reiterated his desire for the US to assume control of and reconstruct the Strip. In an interview this weekend, he stated unequivocally that Palestinians would not have the right to return under his proposals. The 78-year-old president has previously discussed withholding foreign aid from Jordan and Egypt if countries refuse to accept forcefully displaced Palestinians. During his meeting with Trump, King Abdullah stated that Arab nations would not make any decisions on absorbing Palestinian refugees until their leaders met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. During his discussion in the Oval Office, Trump reaffirmed that the US would take over Gaza, but declined to say how during his Oval Office meeting.

It comes after Trump warned on Monday that “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas does not release all remaining Israeli detainees, increasing tensions even further. “As far as I’m concerned if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock – I think it’s an appropriate time – I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” stated Donald Trump. When reporters inquired what he meant by “all hell,” Trump replied, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out – Hamas will find out what I mean.” Hamas dismissed Trump’s warning, saying that dozens of hostages would only be released if all sides remained faithful to the cease-fire deal.