ISRAELI, GAZA – James Godwin Reporting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday threatened to withdraw from the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and resume its fight against Hamas if the militant group does not go ahead with the next scheduled release of hostages on Saturday.
Hamas said Monday — and warned on Tuesday again, that it planned to delay the release of three more hostages after accusing Israel of failing to meet the conditions of the ceasefire, including by not allowing enough tents and other aid into Gaza.
READ MORE: Hamas Releases Three More Israeli Hostages in Ongoing Ceasefire Exchange
U.S. President Donald Trump has emboldened Israel to call for the release of even more remaining hostages on Saturday, but it wasn’t immediately clear whether Netanyahu’s threat referred to the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, or just the three scheduled for release on Saturday.
Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli official said Netanyahu ordered the army to add more troops in and around the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu also ordered officials “to prepare for every scenario if Hamas doesn’t release our hostages this Saturday,” according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting.
Israel had signaled Monday it planned to reinforce defenses along the Gaza border.
The all-scenario plan was announced during a four-hour meeting between Netanyahu and his Security Cabinet that focused on Hamas’ threat, which risks jeopardizing the three-week-old ceasefire.