Following Hamas’ suspension of hostage exchange due to the ceasefire violation, a statement was issued by Netantahyu. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened that if the Israeli hostages planned to be released in the first stage of the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas are not freed, the ceasefire will end and violent attacks will begin. It was reported that negotiations to move to the second stage of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have been suspended until the 9 Israeli hostages planned to be released in the first stage are released.

In a video message, Netanyahu stated that they held a comprehensive political and security cabinet meeting lasting four hours after Hamas announced the suspension of the hostage exchange scheduled for Saturday due to Israel violating the terms of the ceasefire deal. Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip and appreciated Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians in Gaza to other countries. Netanyahu also announced that he instructed the Israeli army to reinforce its forces within and around Gaza following Hamas’ suspension of the next round of hostage exchange. Indicating that soldiers have begun to move into the region, Netanyahu noted the decisions unanimously agreed upon at the security cabinet meeting as follows: “If Hamas does not release our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end, and Israel will resume violent attacks until Hamas is ultimately defeated.” Meanwhile, an announcement from the Israeli army spokesperson revealed that due to an increase in alert status in the Southern Command, reinforcements including reserve troops were authorized. The statement indicated that the deployment of additional units and reinforcement of reserve soldiers were carried out in preparation for various scenarios.

HA suspendES THEIR HOSTAGE EXCHANGE DECISION

In a statement made yesterday by the spokesperson of Hamas’ military wing, the Izzeddin al-Kassam Brigades, Abu Ubeyde, the planned prisoner exchange set for February 15th was suspended due to Israel not fulfilling its commitments in the ceasefire agreement. The statement by Hamas mentioned that the suspension decision was announced five days before the exchange, allowing mediators to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire terms. U.S. President Trump also stated that if all prisoners in Gaza are not released by Saturday noon, the ceasefire should be canceled, using the phrase, “Then let the apocalypse begin.”