Prime Minister Netanyahu Warns of Possible Resumption of War if Ceasefire Fails
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that military operations in Gaza could resume if the current ceasefire proves ineffective. His remarks come as the ceasefire agreement, approved by Israel’s Cabinet, goes into effect today.
In a video statement, Netanyahu emphasised that if the second phase of the ceasefire does not yield meaningful results, Israel retains the right to resume its military campaign with the backing of the United States. “If we have to return to war, it will be in a new and stronger form,” he stated. Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, declaring that Israel is guaranteed to achieve its objectives.
The prime minister highlighted that the temporary ceasefire, spanning 42 days, is only the first step. He stated that 33 Israeli hostages would be released during this phase, reiterating his pledge to bring them home alive. Netanyahu also claimed that Israel had fundamentally altered the dynamics of the region since the conflict began.
International Involvement and Reactions
The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani confirming that 33 hostages held by Hamas would be freed during the initial phase. As part of the deal, Israel will release 737 Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the agreement, reports indicate continued Israeli strikes on Gaza, raising concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire. The 15-month conflict has included only one other ceasefire, a week-long truce in November 2023, before hostilities resumed.
Hamas, meanwhile, issued a statement claiming that Israel had failed to achieve its objectives in the conflict. The group accused Israel of committing war crimes and tarnishing humanity’s dignity.
The ceasefire marks a temporary halt in one of the most protracted and violent conflicts in the region, with hopes pinned on achieving lasting peace. However, both sides have indicated their readiness to resume hostilities if the terms of the agreement are not upheld.
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