The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faces an imminent collapse as tensions escalate over the release of hostages. With the deadline looming, Israel has issued a firm ultimatum: if hostages are not freed by February 15, military operations will resume with full force.
This warning comes in response to a sudden shift in the agreement, as Hamas declared it would halt the release of Israeli hostages, citing alleged violations by Israel. The agreement, which had facilitated a temporary pause in hostilities, was based on an exchange—hostages for Palestinian prisoners. However, the process has hit a roadblock, threatening to reignite conflict in the region.
Hamas claims that Israel disrupted the deal by delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza and restricting humanitarian aid. Israel, on the other hand, denies these accusations, maintaining that aid continues to flow while emphasizing security concerns around its military positions.
With tensions reaching a boiling point, Israel has already begun mobilizing forces along Gaza’s borders. In a strong message following high-level security discussions, Israel reaffirmed its stance: without compliance from Hamas, the ceasefire will dissolve, and the military campaign will resume until its objectives are met.
As the deadline nears, the fate of hostages and the fragile peace in Gaza hang in the balance, with the world watching closely.