Netanyahu Ramps Up Pressure on Hamas After Warning to Retain Hostages

Palestinian man looks at destroyed buildings in the Jabalia camp, north of Gaza City, Feb 11, 2025 Photo: EFE


February 11, 2025 Hour: 5:40 pm

Trump has firmly backed Israel’s strategy and has even proposed relocating the Palestinian population to other countries, as well as U.S.-led reconstruction of Gaza after the conflict.

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Hamas Postpones Hostage Handover Due to Israeli Violations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that the military offensive in the Gaza Strip will resume with greater intensity if the group does not release the hostages by next Saturday. This declaration, made following a meeting of the security cabinet, underscores the escalating tension in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and drawn international condemnation.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death toll in the enclave has reached at least 48,000, with a high percentage of civilian casualties, including women and children. The United Nations has described the situation as genocide, adding moral weight to the actions and decisions being made on the ground. However, the actual number of fatalities is believed to be even higher, as many bodies remain buried under rubble.

Netanyahu emphasized that if Hamas does not release the hostages by noon on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will intensify their operations until the Islamist group is defeated. This threat comes in a context where Hamas has postponed the release of hostages, citing what it claims are violations of the ceasefire by Israel.

In response to this escalation, Netanyahu has ordered an increase in military deployment in Gaza, suggesting preparations for a new invasion. The situation is further complicated by the intervention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who also urged Hamas to release the hostages and warned of severe consequences if this demand is not met.

Trump has firmly backed Israel’s strategy and has even proposed relocating the Palestinian population to other countries, as well as U.S.-led reconstruction of Gaza after the conflict.

The belligerent rhetoric and plans proposed by both leaders reflect a worrying escalation in the conflict, as the international community watches with growing alarm at the humanitarian and geopolitical implications of this crisis.

The pressure on Hamas and the threats of a new military offensive create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among Gaza’s residents, who are already facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

Autor: MLM

Fuente: Al - Mayadeen