Israel to Fight in Gaza 'Within Days' If More Hostages Not Freed

Israeli officials told Israeli media on Sunday, March 2, that they are giving Hamas a few days to reach an agreement on the release of additional hostages.

"We are willing to give a chance of a few days, but we won't let it drag on indefinitely," the officials said. "If we see that the negotiations are not being conducted in good faith, we will return to fighting in Gaza."

Hamas will not agree to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal as requested by Israel, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told Qatari media on Sunday in an interview. 

He added that Hamas would only release the remaining Israeli hostages under the terms of the already agreed-upon phased deal.

On Saturday, a four-hour meeting was held with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the end of the meeting, it was decided to adopt the plan proposed by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which stipulates: 

"Israel will agree to a 42-day ceasefire, during which, on the first day, half of the living hostages will be released and half of the bodies of the hostages held by Hamas will be returned, and on the final day, the second group of hostages will be released, and the remaining hostages' bodies will be returned." (JPost /VFI News) 

“Dear God, we fervently pray for a miracle that will allow the return of all the remaining hostages without the release of any terrorists. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You show Your unfailing Love and mercy to the hostages and reignite the hope in the hearts of everyone who needs it. Help us navigate this difficult period and guide our leaders into being efficient, merciful, and insistent in following Your Will.”