As tensions over the peace cause the delicate peace to be in danger, Israel has warned Hamas of severe consequences.
On Wednesday, Israel’s defence secretary issued a striking alert, declaring that” all hell will break loose” if the violent party fails to release victims as scheduled this weekend. His remarks came as negotiators rushed to end the deal.
Hamas claimed that Israel had broken its obligations under the agreement, especially the provision of aid, including tents and other necessary supplies. The violent group alleged that they would postpone the upcoming captive launch in response.
Israel warns of’ fresh Gaza conflict’ if offer fails
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently reacted to Hamas ‘ threat to postpone the prisoner transfer, promising to launch military action if the organization reacted in this way. He also gave the orders for Israeli forces to strengthen their jobs in the area of Gaza despite their peace departure from populated areas.
Netanyahu is subject to a lot of stress from various perspectives. After the first step of the peace, some of his political allies are calling for the war to resume, while others are urging him to prioritize the release of hostages. The three hostages who were freed next Saturday have been in a weak state, which has sparked public outcry, with many calling for stronger federal action to take others home.
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed Donald Trump’s caution on Wednesday that” all hell will break loose” if Hamas didn’t follow through on the deal. He added,” If Hamas stops releasing the victims, then there is no offer and there is battle”.
Katz more stated that the “new Gaza battle” would never end until Hamas was defeated, which, he claimed, would permit Trump’s “vision” of transferring Gaza’s people to neighbouring countries to be realised. However, this plan has been extensively condemned by Muslim countries.
Trump on Gaza
Donald Trump had suggested that Palestinians may be relocated from Gaza earlier this week so that the US is retake control of the rebuilding effort. His request has been vehemently rejected by neighboring Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan. After meeting Trump at the White House on Tuesday, Jordan’s King Abdullah II reaffirmed his antagonism to any forced evacuation of Palestinians.
Trump also said the US wouldn’t need to “buy Gaza” as it is now war-torn and could be taken without charge. He asserted that this would lead to employment for people in the Middle East. Moreover, he called for Hamas to discharge all victims at when instead of in cycles, a position that has strengthened Israel’s desire for more victims to be freed this Saturday.
However, Trump on Tuesday described Hamas as “bullies”, criticising the team for delaying the transfer of victims in Gaza. ” They want to play hard man, but we’ll see how hard they are”, Trump told reporters at a White House news event.
Peace negotiations
The peace deal, which came into effect on January 19, paused the 16-month-long conflict in Gaza. In its initial stage, Hamas was required to release 33 captives taken during its October 7 assault, while Israel agreed to provide significant amounts of humanitarian support. Of those victims, eight are believed to be dead, and 21 have been released thus far. In return, Israel has freed thousands of Israeli prisoners.
Despite the conflicts, there were signs of progress in discussions. Both sides were close to reaching an agreement, according to an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions, with Israel apparently agreeing to give Gaza more tents, shelters, and other heavy equipment. But, Hamas insists that Israel has not yet met all its responsibilities, including the agreed-upon support sales.
According to Hamas national Mahmoud Merdawi, there are “positive indicators” that the three victims will been released as planned on Saturday.
However, Hamas director Hazem Kassem has dismissed Jewish and US risks, urging Israel to preserve the peace terms.