Netanyahu Warns Ceasefire Will End if Hostages Aren’t Freed by Saturday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a firm ultimatum to Hamas: release all hostages by noon on Saturday, February 15, or the ceasefire will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume military operations until Hamas is completely defeated.

Netanyahu’s warning follows a similar statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared on Monday that if Hamas does not free all captives by the deadline, “all hell will break loose.”

The Israeli leader credited Trump’s stance and reiterated that his government fully supports the demand for the hostages’ immediate return. Netanyahu revealed that the decision came after an “in-depth, four-hour discussion” with Israel’s security cabinet, during which officials expressed outrage over the frail condition of the three hostages released last Saturday.

In response to Hamas’ refusal to uphold its commitments, Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to amass forces around Gaza, a process that is now nearly complete.

“Unless Hamas returns our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end and the IDF will resume intensive fighting until Hamas is totally defeated,” Netanyahu stated.

With tensions escalating and the ultimatum set, the coming days will determine whether diplomacy prevails or the conflict enters a new phase. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to stay informed on Israel’s latest security developments.