Israel Says Ceasefire will End if Hostages not Returned

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "intense fighting" would resume in Gaza if Hamas did not return hostages by noon Saturday, without specifying whether he was referring to all captives, or only the three that had originally been planned for release. 

The ceasefire was called into question when Hamas claimed Monday that Israel had violated key provisions, prompting it to cancel the release of three more hostages on Saturday.

"If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) will resume intense fighting until Hamas is decisively defeated," Netanyahu said in a video statement issued after a meeting with his security cabinet.

After Netanyahu's statement, the Israeli military said it would deploy additional forces south.

"It was decided to increase reinforcements with additional troops, including reservists", the IDF said in a statement on Tuesday, adding the move was "carried out in preparation for various scenarios."

Trump does not expect Hamas to meet deadline to free hostages
Speaking to reporters before a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah, US President Donald Trump said he does not believe Hamas militants will meet a Saturday deadline to release all hostages.

Earlier, Trump had threatened that "all hell" will break loose if the militant group does not release the Israeli hostages by Saturday.