Israel will resume “intense” fighting in Gaza if hostages are not released by Saturday noon, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
“The military will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated,” he said in a video statement on Tuesday afternoon, as US president Donald Trump met with Jordan’s King Abdullah in the White House.
Netanyahu has echoed Trump, who threatened to let “hell break out” in Gaza if Israeli hostages weren’t freed by Saturday. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri hit back at the threat, warning Trump that abiding by the ceasefire is the only way to ensure the hostages return.
Hamas indefinitely suspended the release of hostages on Monday, accusing Israel of breaching ceasefire obligations. The group accused Israel of delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, carrying out strikes across the enclave and hindering the entry of humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, North Korea has joined the nations voicing opposition to Mr Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip. Last week, the president said he wanted to take ownership of the region and resettle Palestinians to neighbouring countries.
“The US. should awaken from its anachronistic daydream and stop at once the act of encroaching upon the dignity and sovereignty of other countries and nations,” a Korean Central News Agency report said, while calling the U.S. a “ferocious robber”.
