Netanyahu warns Hamas of consequences if it refuses to release Israeli hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the blockade of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip was caused by the refusal of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas to accept the U.S. plan for further ceasefire in the enclave. 

He warned that the refusal of the radicals to engage in negotiations would lead to "further consequences," Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Due to Hamas's refusal of the plan by [U.S. President's Special Envoy Steve] Witkoff, we have decided to block the import of goods and supplies to Gaza. If Hamas continues to stand its ground and does not release our hostages, it will lead to further consequences," Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting, with his statements being distributed by the Prime Minister's Office.

He reminded that Israel fully supports Whitcoff's plan, according to which the ceasefire in Gaza would be extended during the sacred Muslim month of Ramadan (ending on March 29, 2025) and the Jewish holiday of Passover (celebrated from April 12 to 19, 2025).

According to this plan, on the first day of its implementation, Palestinian radicals would release half of the hostages and return the bodies of the deceased. In the end, if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached, the remaining hostages would be freed, and the remaining bodies of the dead would be returned.

Netanyahu says Israel has the full support of the United States and its president, Donald Trump, in this matter.

"We are fully aligned with President Trump and his team. According to the information Israel has, Hamas is holding 59 hostages: up to 24 alive and at least 35 dead. We do not abandon any of them and are firmly determined to bring them all home," he stated.

By Khagan Isayev