Netanyahu threatens to resume war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that unless the militant part of Hamas releases Israeli hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end and the war will be resumed. During a video, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military would return to intense fighting until Hamas is ‘finally defeated’ if they do not release the hostages as agreed. Israel’s military is preparing soldiers for various scenarios in the conflict. The statement comes after Hamas’ armed wing postponed the release of Israeli hostages, stating that Israel had breached the ceasefire multiple times. The ceasefire deal, effective since January 19, calls for releasing 33 Israeli hostages and around 1900 prisoners from Israeli jails, mostly Palestinians. The fifth exchange occurred over the weekend with three Israeli hostages and 183 Palestinian prisoners released. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubt on Tuesday that Hamas will abide by the upcoming release agreement.