Netanyahu threatens a return to “intense fighting”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel warned Hamas yesterday that if it did not release hostages as scheduled on Saturday, Israeli troops would resume “intense fighting” in Gaza. Hamas had said on Monday that it would indefinitely postpone the release, accusing Israel of violating their cease-fire deal.
Netanyahu also reiterated an order to reinforce troops in and around Gaza, but he did not say they were planning to recapture territory. “This operation is currently underway,” he said. “It will be completed as soon as possible.”
President Trump, during a White House meeting yesterday with King Abdullah II of Jordan, insisted again that the U.S. will “take” Gaza, saying that nearby countries would absorb its Palestinian population. He has threatened to suspend U.S. aid to Egypt and Jordan if they refuse. In a follow-up post on social media, King Abdullah reiterated that Jordan was opposed to the displacement of the Palestinians.
Back story: Hamas has accused Israel of failing to send hundreds of thousands of promised tents into Gaza. The Israeli military unit that oversees aid deliveries called the accusation “completely false,” but several Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, said the claims were accurate.
What the law says: Trump’s Gaza proposal would be a clear violation of international humanitarian law, a war crime and a crime against humanity, experts say.
Next steps: Analysts said Israel and Hamas could reach a compromise before Saturday on this weekend’s scheduled round of hostage releases. Another hurdle looms in March, when their cease-fire is set to expire unless they negotiate an extension.
