Israel has called up military reservists amid escalating fears of a renewed conflict in Gaza, with Hamas facing a critical Saturday deadline to release additional hostages. The fragile ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. backing, risks collapse as tensions rise over former U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to resettle Gazans and transform the coastal enclave into an international resort.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned: \"If Hamas stops the hostage releases, there is no ceasefire and there is war.\" He hinted that a new conflict could pave the way for Trump's vision, which has drawn sharp backlash across Arab nations. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reportedly refuses to engage in U.S. talks if Trump's plan is on the agenda.
Hamas suspended hostage releases this week, accusing Israel of violating terms, while its Gaza chief arrived in Cairo for urgent talks with mediators. The group insists it will \"not accept threats\" but remains open to dialogue. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered troop deployments near Gaza, signaling readiness to resume \"intense fighting.\"
The conflict, sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw over 250 taken hostage, has already claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, according to local health officials. While 16 hostages were released in initial exchanges, hopes now rest on negotiations to free remaining captives and secure an Israeli withdrawal.
Gaza residents, displaced and facing dire shortages, voiced desperation. \"We had barely started believing a solution was on the way,\" said Rafah resident Lotfy Abu Taha. \"The people are suffering—the people are the victims.\"
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Israel calls up reservists as fears for fragile Gaza ceasefire rise
cgtn.com
