According to the reports on Wednesday (12 February), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an ultimatum, warning that intense fighting will resume in Gaza if Hamas does not release all hostages by noon on Saturday (15 February). His statement has sparked widespread fear and condemnation among Palestinians, who are already facing dire conditions. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their siege on Tulkarem and its refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, carrying out arrests, destroying property, and mistreating residents.
The ultimatum follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who also set the same Saturday deadline (15 February), warning that “all hell will break loose” if Hamas fails to comply. This marks a coordinated stance between Israel and the US, further increasing tensions in the region. Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by preventing aid from reaching northern Gaza, leading to a halt in its hostage exchanges. The fragile truce now hangs in the balance as both sides refuse to back down.
Adding to the growing crisis, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned that they will launch attacks against Israel if the war in Gaza resumes. Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed group, declared that they are ready to escalate violence, including disrupting the Red Sea, at the first sign of renewed conflict. His speech also took aim at President Trump, mocking him as a “fool” for issuing the same ultimatum as Netanyahu.
As tensions rise, the risk of a broader regional conflict increases, with multiple factions poised to retaliate if hostilities resume. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank remain in a state of uncertainty, fearing the return of full-scale war. With the ceasefire deadline approaching, the international community watches closely, uncertain of what comes next in this escalating crisis.
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