Al Jazeera :
A Hamas official has said Israeli captives can only be brought home from Gaza if Israel respects a fragile ceasefire, dismissing the “language of threats” after US President Donald Trump said the deal should be cancelled if all the captives are not released by Saturday.
His statement came after Hamas suspended the next release of captives held in Gaza indefinitely, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire deal, including by continuing to kill Palestinians and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The moves sparked protests in Tel Aviv, while the Israeli military says it has cancelled leave for its troops and is increasing its forces around the Gaza Strip.
On the ground in Gaza, harsh weather conditions are adding to the misery of displaced Palestinians who are sheltering in makeshift tents as most of their homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed a confirmed 48,219 people and wounded 111,665, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. Gaza’s Government Media Office has updated the death toll to at least 61,709 people, saying thousands who were missing under the rubble are now presumed dead. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023 attacks and more than 200 were taken captive.
‘Time to open the gates of hell’ on Gaza, says Israeli communications minister
Israel’s communications minister is the latest senior official to back Trump’s call to “unleash hell” on Gaza if Israeli captives are not released by Saturday.
“The response must be exactly as President Trump suggested,” said Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi in a post on X.
“Completely halt humanitarian aid, cut off electricity, water and communications and use brutal and disproportionate force until the hostages return.
“It is time to open the gates of hell on Hamas – and this time, without any restrictions on our heroic fighters.”
