Israel warns Hamas to return remaining Gaza hostages or face 'hell' - FRANCE 24 English

Israel's leadership issued a stern warning to the militant group Hamas on Monday, stating that unless the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza are returned, the group would face severe retaliation. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz delivered the ultimatum, with Netanyahu warning of "unimaginable consequences" and Katz declaring that Hamas would experience "hell". The threat marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas, further exacerbating tensions in an already volatile region.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Hamas, the militant group currently holding Israeli hostages in Gaza. This ultimatum comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Israel adopting a more aggressive stance in its demand for the return of its citizens. Netanyahu stated that there would be unimaginable consequences should Hamas fail to heed their call, a statement that underlines the severity of the situation and the potential escalation of violence.

Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments in a press conference, highlighting the seriousness of the Israeli government's stance on this issue. He stated that if the remaining Israeli hostages are not returned, Hamas would face dire consequences. Katz used the phrase "they will face hell" to emphasize the magnitude of Israel's intended response. This rhetoric underscores the determination of the Israeli government to secure the safe return of their citizens.

These statements mark a significant shift in Israel's approach to dealing with Hamas. Historically, negotiations and prisoner swaps have been the primary methods of resolving such hostage situations. However, the recent threats made by Israeli officials indicate a willingness to resort to military action if necessary. This shift in strategy could potentially escalate the already tense situation in the region, with the potential for further conflict and violence.

Hamas has yet to respond to these threats. The group has previously shown a willingness to negotiate prisoner swaps, but the Israeli government's strong rhetoric may alter the dynamics of any future negotiations. The fate of the remaining hostages remains uncertain, and the international community awaits the response of Hamas to the Israeli ultimatum.

So far, Hamas has not issued a public response to the Israeli government's threats. The Islamist militant group, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, is often tight-lipped about its negotiating strategies and hostage situations. It has, however, historically been known to engage in prisoner swaps with Israel.

In 2011, for instance, Hamas released Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit after holding him captive for more than five years. The release was part of a prisoner exchange in which Israel freed more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Given this history, some experts speculate that Hamas may be using the remaining hostages as bargaining chips for a similar deal.

Yet, the stakes are much higher this time around. If Hamas fails to comply with Israel's demands, it risks escalating an already volatile situation into full-blown conflict. While the militant group has demonstrated resilience in the face of Israeli pressure in the past, the threatened 'hell' could significantly impact its operational capacity and political standing.

Consequently, the handling of this hostage situation poses a significant test for the leadership of Hamas. With international attention squarely focused on the crisis, the group's response will likely have far-reaching implications for its future relations with Israel and its position within the broader Middle East conflict.

International reactions to Israel's stern warning have been largely mixed. While some nations have expressed concern over the escalating tensions, others have called for restraint and diplomatic solutions. "The situation is extremely delicate and could quickly spiral out of control if not handled with utmost care," said Dr. Mohammed Al-Masri, a Middle East political analyst. "Any form of violent retaliation could potentially ignite a full-blown conflict."

The United Nations has urged all parties to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue. According to UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, "It is crucial for all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from acts of aggression. The lives of innocent civilians are at risk and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being."

However, the international community remains divided on how to deal with the ongoing hostage situation. While some argue that a hardline approach would only exacerbate the situation, others believe that decisive action is necessary to deter future acts of aggression. "It's a complex situation with no easy solutions," said Dr. Al-Masri. "What's clear, however, is that the status quo is not sustainable. There needs to be a serious and concerted effort from all sides to bring about a peaceful resolution."

Israel's warning to Hamas regarding the continued detention of Israeli hostages in Gaza marks an important development in the ongoing tensions between the two parties. The stern warning issued by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz underscores the seriousness of the situation and Israel's determination to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

However, the implications of this warning, particularly in regard to the potential for violent retaliation, could potentially escalate the already fraught relations between Israel and Hamas. The severity of the warning suggests an intensification of Israel's approach to dealing with Hamas, and the potential for significant consequences should the militant group fail to comply.

Source: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250303-israel-warns-hamas-to-return-remaining-gaza-hostages-or-face-hell