Israel Faces Critical Deadline for Hostage Release Agreement with Hamas

Israeli officials have set a firm deadline for Hamas to reach an agreement on the release of additional hostages, with tensions rising between the two sides. Israeli officials have stated that they are giving Hamas a few days to finalize a deal but warned that they would not allow negotiations to drag on indefinitely. "If we see that the negotiations are not being conducted in good faith, we will return to fighting in Gaza," said an Israeli official.

The conflict centers on the ongoing ceasefire agreement that has allowed a temporary halt in hostilities. However, Hamas has refused to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, which had been initiated under a deal mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi clarified that the group would only release the remaining hostages under the terms of the already agreed-upon phased deal, leaving little room for compromise.

Israel's Strategy and Pressure Tactics

In a high-stakes meeting on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with senior security officials and ministers, discussed the country's next steps. Israel adopted a plan that stipulates a 42-day ceasefire, with the release of half the living hostages and the return of half the bodies of the hostages held by Hamas on the first day. The second group of hostages and the remaining bodies are scheduled for release by the final day of the ceasefire.

Israel has also taken a strong stance by halting all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, citing concerns over Hamas’s control of aid supplies. "Hamas is currently controlling all supplies and goods sent to the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu explained. "It is abusing the Gaza population trying to receive aid, turning humanitarian aid into a terrorist budget directed against us."

The White House has expressed full support for Israel's decision, emphasizing the importance of holding Hamas accountable for their actions. A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council confirmed that the U.S. has coordinated closely with Israel on the issue and backed its response to Hamas’s refusal to extend the ceasefire.

EU Condemnation and Calls for Humanitarian Access

Meanwhile, the European Union has condemned Hamas’s refusal to extend the ceasefire agreement, warning that Israel’s subsequent decision to block humanitarian aid could have serious consequences for the people of Gaza. The EU has urged for a "rapid resumption of negotiations" to reach a permanent ceasefire that would contribute to the release of all remaining hostages and allow for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.

Despite these calls for peace, Israeli officials have indicated that if no deal is reached, they are prepared to resume military operations. "There is no 100% certainty that Hamas will agree to the release of additional hostages. If there is no deal, preparations are being made to return to war within days," one official stated.