Reports: Israel threatens to restart Gaza ground op if hostages not released by midnight

An Israeli official reportedly threatens that if the next batch of Israeli hostages are not released from Gaza by midnight, the IDF will “restart ground operations” in the Strip.

The official is cited in a number of Hebrew media outlets but there is no official confirmation.

The deal that was signed was for the release of at least 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners and a four-day pause in fighting, as well as increased aid to Gaza. Hamas has accused Israel of violating the terms, which Israeli denies.

Israeli sources, in turn, have accused Hamas of breaching the terms with the list of hostages set for release today, including regarding the obligation to release mothers together with their children.

Regarding Hamas claims that Israel has not released Palestinian security prisoners in the order promised, Channel 12 cites an official source in Jerusalem denying any breach of the deal. “Just as Hamas decides who to release from its list [of hostages] in each stage, so we decide which Palestinian security prisoners to free [in return].”

The source also says humanitarian aid has been delivered as agreed, including to northern Gaza.

The second group of hostages were slated to be released at 4 p.m. but Hamas has so far not begun the process.