Israel and Hamas are on the brink of renewed conflict as the Palestinian militant group announced a delay in hostage releases, prompting a sharp response from Israeli officials and U.S. President Donald Trump. The fragile ceasefire, which had facilitated hostage-prisoner exchanges and allowed limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, now stands at risk of collapse.
Trump, who has taken a hardline stance on the conflict, warned Tuesday that "all hell is going to break out" if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday. The president added that Israel should abandon the ceasefire if the deadline is not met, signaling potential escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his security cabinet in Jerusalem to assess the situation. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli military to maintain the "highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza," calling Hamas's move "a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement."
Hamas accused Israel of failing to uphold its end of the deal, citing restrictions on humanitarian aid, continued military operations in Gaza, and the delayed return of displaced Palestinians to the northern part of the strip. "The door remains open for the exchange to proceed as planned if Israel abides by its obligations," Hamas said in a statement.
The latest hostage release, originally scheduled for Saturday, included three Israeli captives. In total, 76 hostages remain in Gaza, with 44 believed to be alive. The prospect of further delays has heightened tensions between the two sides and drawn international concern.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint, stating, "We must avoid at all costs resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to immense tragedy." He called on both Israel and Hamas to "fully abide by their commitments" and resume negotiations.
The ceasefire, established as part of a complex agreement to facilitate hostage exchanges, had provided a temporary pause in the war that has devastated Gaza since October 7. More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to Gaza health officials, while 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial Hamas-led attack.
Trump's warning further complicates an already fragile situation. The president has drawn criticism for his proposal to permanently relocate Palestinians out of Gaza to enable U.S.-led reconstruction efforts in the war-torn enclave. "I would own this-think of it as a real estate development for the future," Trump said Monday, suggesting that Palestinians would be moved to "beautiful communities" away from conflict zones.
His remarks have sparked backlash from Arab leaders, who reject any displacement of Palestinians. Trump hinted at economic leverage, stating he could withdraw U.S. aid from Egypt and Jordan if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees. "Yeah, maybe, sure why not?" Trump said when asked about halting financial assistance to the two countries.
Netanyahu, who faces domestic pressure over his handling of the war, vowed to continue efforts to retrieve the remaining hostages. On Tuesday, he confirmed the death of 86-year-old Shlomo Mantzur, one of the captives held by Hamas. He would "continue to act with determination and tirelessness until we return all of our abductees-both the living and the dead," Netanyahu said.
Hamas's decision to postpone the exchange has intensified domestic and international scrutiny. Far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir, who resigned last month as Netanyahu's national security minister, voiced support for Trump's position, writing on X: "Trump is right!" and calling for an immediate military offensive in Gaza.
Families of the hostages, however, are urging restraint. "President Trump, I am asking you with all my heart: Do everything in your power to ensure that this deal continues!" pleaded Idit Ohel, the mother of Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old taken hostage from Israel's Nova music festival. She spoke at an event marking her son's birthday, where she received her first proof of life since his abduction.
