Netanyahu says Israel will end Gaza ceasefire if hostages not returned on Saturday

An Israeli tank on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, on Tuesday. | REUTERS

by NIDAL AL-MUGHRABI AND ALEXANDER CORNWELL
February 12, 2025

CAIRO/JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday the ceasefire in Gaza would end and the military would resume fighting Hamas until it was defeated if the Palestinian militant group did not release hostages by midday Saturday.

Following Netanyahu's ultimatum, Hamas issued a statement renewing its commitment to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of jeopardizing the truce.

The Israeli announcement came after Netanyahu met with several key ministers, including defence, foreign affairs and national security, who he said gave the ultimatum their full support.