The Prime Minister of Israel made a strong demand to Hamas and gave a deadline

Netanyahu issues ultimatum to Hamas to release hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army would resume fighting in the Gaza Strip if Hamas did not release the hostages held in the enclave by noon on Saturday (February 15).

"If Hamas does not return the hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end and the army will continue heavy fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," Netanyahu said in a statement issued after a meeting with members of the military cabinet.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump demanded that Hamas release all hostages by noon on Saturday, or he would turn Gaza into “hell.” “Hamas knows what I mean,” he said.

A day earlier, the militants had announced that Israel was not complying with the terms of a ceasefire agreement and threatened to delay the next phase of the release of Israeli hostages and their exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel said Hamas’ actions violated the agreement. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”