Gideon Sa'ar to EU Ambassadors: If Hamas doesn't free hostages - it's wa

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar told EU Ambassadors tonight (Tuesday) that "if Hamas does not free the hostages, we will return to military operations and combat."

During a meeting with EU Ambassadors, Sa'ar said that:

"Today we discussed Hamas's announcement that it intends to violate the framework for releasing the hostages. Hamas's decision not to release the hostages means a decision to return to war. We have not taken any unilateral actions so far. Anyone who watched the release of the hostages saw terrible sights. What we saw last Saturday was severe - the released hostages had lost much of their weight after being starved and tortured. There is evidence of this. We are also prepared for Hamas attempting to attack Israel."

Sa'ar is thus echoing the unanimous decision of the cabinet to voice support for President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Hamas to either free all the hostages by Saturday or "all hell" will break loose and the ceasefire will end.

According to Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh, the IDF is preparing to return another division to the Gaza Strip, in addition to the 162nd and Gaza Division already present. The command HQ of the 252nd reserve division has been sent again to the Gaza Strip, three months after it left the Netzarim Corridor.

According to Kann reporter Itay Blumenthal, the IDF is conveying a message to Hamas and saying that if the agreement collapses - we are ready: "The IDF is preparing for various scenarios based on ground forces, air force, navy and additional capabilities."

Blumenthal also gave a breakdown of current and future forces ready for action if need me: "Currently, there are two divisions defending the Gaza Perimeter area: 162 and the Gaza Division. Last night, regular forces were mobilized to reinforce the area and prepare for continuation if required. Along with regular battalions that were transferred to the south, special units were also brought in to operate under the divisions.

"There are brigades prepared as reserves that will deploy to the south on standby if needed. Additional forces, including divisions, both regular and reserve, are in preparation stages and will be activated according to developments."