[Tee tiong huat]

CAIRO: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday (Feb 11) that ceasefire in Gaza would end & military would resume fighting Hamas until it was defeated if Palestinian militant group did not release hostages by midday Saturday.

Following Netanyahu's ultimatum, Hamas issued a statement renewing its commitment to ceasefire & accusing Israel of jeopardising the ceasefire. Israeli announcement came after the PM met with several key ministers, including defence, foreign affairs & national security, who he said gave the ultimatum their full support.

After nearly 16 mths of war, Hamas has gradually been releasing hostages since first phase of a ceasefire began on Jan 19, but on Monday it says no free more until further notice & accusations Israel was violating the deal. "If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon - the ceasefire will end and the IDF (military) will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," Netanyahu said. It was not immediately clear if Netanyahu meant Hamas should release all hostages held in Gaza or just the three who had been expected to be released on Saturday under the ceasefire. (Hoot-ahh, if both try tobe funny.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/is...za-4932096