The clock is ticking, and time is running out: by noon on Saturday, the world will know whether the Middle East will get a new chance for a fragile truce or plunge into another round of devastating war, The Jerusalem Post writes.
Hamas announced that it was postponing the release of hostages scheduled for 15 February, accusing Israel of “violating” the agreement. This decision exacerbates the situation and threatens the entire mechanism of the ceasefire agreement, which is already hanging by a thread.
“If all the hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, then I will say: call off the ceasefire. Let all hell break loose,” said US President Donald Trump, stressing that patience could run out.
Netanyahu: Either hostages or war
After Trump’s ultimatum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urgently convened the Security Council.
“If Hamas does not return our people by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will be cancelled and the IDF will resume large-scale fighting until Hamas is completely destroyed ,” he warned.
The Israeli army has already begun deploying additional troops and reservists to the southern borders.
Hamas in a deadlock: concessions or disaster?
Trump has made it clear that he not only supports Israel’s right to retaliate militarily, but is also ready to radically change the balance of power in the region.
“The United States will take Gaza. The Palestinians will live in another place where they will be safe,” the US president said.
US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff stressed that Hamas should have no role in the future of the Gaza Strip.
Time to make a choice
The ceasefire has continued, albeit on the verge of collapse. Now, all responsibility for further developments lies with the Hamas leadership.
If the group rejects the deal, it will lose its main trump card – the hostages. In response, Israel, backed by the United States, will strike back with a crushing blow.
Saturday will be a decisive moment for the entire Middle East crisis. Will Hamas take a step back or unleash chaos? The choice is theirs.
