Israel has warned that it will resume "intense fighting" in Gaza if Hamas does not release hostages by the weekend, echoing a stern ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump, which has further strained an already fragile truce.

Trump, who has taken credit for brokering the ceasefire that began last month, declared that "hell" would break loose if Hamas failed to release all Israeli hostages by Saturday.

Ceasefire Under Pressure

The truce agreement, which halted more than 15 months of conflict, required hostages to be freed in batches in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. So far, five rounds of exchanges have taken place, but rising tensions have cast doubt on further releases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that if Hamas does not comply by noon on Saturday, Israel will end the ceasefire and escalate military operations until Hamas is "decisively defeated."

Tensions have been rising since Trump's controversial proposal to take over Gaza and displace its population. His latest remarks have only heightened concerns.

"If all hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock… cancel it, and let hell break out," Trump declared on Monday. When asked on Tuesday whether his deadline still stood, he reaffirmed, "Yes."

Diplomatic Reactions and Growing Tensions

Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri criticized Trump's remarks, saying they "complicate matters further" and urging the U.S. to respect the terms of the ceasefire.

During a meeting in Washington, Jordan’s King Abdullah II was asked about Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal but said Egypt was working on a response.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called on Hamas to proceed with the next hostage release and "avoid a return to hostilities at all costs."

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have launched attacks in support of Hamas, warned they were "ready to intervene militarily" if fighting resumes.

Calls for Escalation from Israeli Officials

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, urged Netanyahu to "open the gates of hell" if the hostages are not freed by Saturday.

"No more phases, no more games," he declared, demanding an end to humanitarian aid and calling for "full occupation of Gaza."

In response, the Israeli military announced an increase in troop deployment near Gaza, raising its level of combat readiness.

Public Reaction and Humanitarian Concerns

Families of hostages gathered outside Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem, urging the government to prioritize the deal over renewed military action.

"There is a deal. Go for it!" pleaded Zahiro, whose uncle died in captivity.

Inside Gaza, fears over the ceasefire’s collapse are widespread.

"I pray the ceasefire holds, but there are factions on both sides that want war," said Adnan Qassem, 60, from Deir el-Balah. "It is always the people who suffer."

Humanitarian Crisis and the Cost of War

The UN has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, estimating that over $53 billion will be needed to rebuild the devastated territory.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,211 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Militants also took 251 hostages, with 73 still held in Gaza, including 35 whom Israel believes to be dead.

In response, Israeli military operations have led to 48,219 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, a toll the UN considers reliable.

With diplomatic efforts at a critical juncture, the fate of the ceasefire—and the people caught in the crossfire—remains uncertain.