IDF Reinforces South Amid Netanyahu Threat to End Ceasefire

The Israeli military announced on Tuesday it was deploying additional forces in the country's south, including mobilizing reservists.

The statement came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the ceasefire in Gaza would end and the military would resume fighting Hamas if hostages were not released on Saturday.

“In light of Hamas’ announcement of its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, I instructed the IDF last night to amass forces inside and around the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said in a Tuesday statement, referring to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). “This operation is currently underway and will be completed as soon as possible.” 

Hamas on Monday said it would stop releasing hostages until further notice over what it said were Israeli breaches of the ceasefire.

“The decision I passed in the Cabinet unanimously is as follows: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense combat until Hamas is decisively defeated,” Netanyahu said following a four-hour meeting with his security Cabinet.