Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel reserves the right to resume fighting Hamas “if needed.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel reserves the right to resume its military campaign against Hamas if talks regarding the second phase of the ceasefire fail. The announcement came in a televised speech on Saturday evening, hours before the ceasefire was set to begin at 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT) on Sunday. Netanyahu underscored that the truce is “temporary” and reiterated that Israel would take further action if necessary.
The Israeli leader revealed that US President-elect Donald Trump supports Israel’s stance. He highlighted the achievements of the military campaign over the past 15 months, including the killing of high-ranking Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Netanyahu stated that the operations had “changed the face of the Middle East” and left Hamas “completely isolated.”
The ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, prior to his speech, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not implement the agreement until it received an official list of hostages to be released. Israeli media has already circulated the names of 33 hostages set for release, though these have not been officially confirmed. As of Saturday, Israeli officials said they were still awaiting the names of three individuals expected to be freed on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued its air strikes on Gaza, targeting what it claims are Hamas and Islamic Jihad positions. According to Hamas officials, these strikes have killed more than 120 people since the ceasefire was announced on Wednesday. The situation on the ground remains tense, with humanitarian aid convoys struggling to navigate the conflict zone and deliver critical supplies to those in need.
Netanyahu’s warning comes as both sides face intense scrutiny over the potential collapse of the agreement. The Israeli government has emphasized that any breach of the deal will not be tolerated, raising concerns about the fragile nature of the truce. International mediators, including representatives from Egypt and Qatar, have worked behind the scenes to ensure compliance and maintain communication between the parties.
The ceasefire represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with both hope and uncertainty defining the outlook. While some see the agreement as an opportunity to reduce violence and address humanitarian concerns, others worry that the situation could escalate further if either side perceives a violation.
As Sunday approaches, all eyes are on the region to see whether the ceasefire will hold and if hostages will be safely returned. Netanyahu’s firm stance underscores the delicate balance between seeking peace and maintaining military readiness in one of the world’s most volatile conflicts.
#Netanyahu #GazaCeasefire #IsraelHamasConflict #MiddleEastCrisis #BreakingNews