Benjamin Netanyahu (Flickr)
World News: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to Hamas, vowing to open the “gates of hell” if all remaining hostages are not released. Speaking after a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is working closely with the United States on a common strategy for Gaza. “We have a common strategy, and we can’t always share details of this strategy with the public, including when the gates of hell will be opened—as they surely will if all our hostages are not released,” Netanyahu stated.
Former US President Donald Trump recently called on Israel to abandon its ceasefire with Hamas if all hostages were not freed by Saturday. Despite Hamas initially postponing further hostage releases, Israel continued observing the ceasefire after only three men were released by the existing agreement. Following the latest hostage release on Saturday, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting any decision Israel takes regarding the hostage situation. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he spoke with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and announced plans to send a team of negotiators to Cairo on Monday to advance talks. Israel’s security cabinet is also scheduled to meet to discuss further actions.
Witkoff expressed optimism about reaching a second-phase ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and an eventual resolution to the war. However, he noted that any deal would require Hamas to relinquish governance in Gaza. “It just is a little bit more intricate and complicated in terms of how we bring the two sides together on this because phase two contemplates an end of the war, but it also contemplates Hamas not being involved in the government and being gone from Gaza,” Witkoff said in a Fox News interview. Netanyahu also reiterated his endorsement of Trump’s vision for Gaza, which includes potential population transfers to Egypt and Jordan. The proposal has been widely rejected by Arab nations, but Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed initial discussions with the US regarding the relocation of Gazans. “There are two aspects that need to be carried out: One is to find some intake-capable countries, and the second is a huge logistical operation to move people out on such a scale,” Smotrich told Channel 12. He added that this process would begin in the coming weeks and accelerate over time.
Netanyahu also underscored Israel’s partnership with the US in countering Iran, stating that both nations stand “shoulder to shoulder” against Tehran’s influence. “Israel has dealt a mighty blow to Iran’s terror axis, and with US support, we can and will finish the job,” Netanyahu declared. Rubio echoed these sentiments, labeling Iran as the “single greatest source of instability in the region.” He insisted that a nuclear-armed Iran must never be allowed, as it would grant Tehran immunity from international pressure.
Amid escalating tensions, Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a shipment of MK-84 heavy aerial bombs—previously held up by the Biden administration—had arrived from the US following approval from Trump. The delivery included 1,800 one-ton bombs, providing a significant boost to Israel’s military capabilities. “The munitions shipment that arrived in Israel tonight, released by the Trump Administration, represents a significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF and serves as further evidence of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
