'All hell will break loose': Israel warns Hamas as Gaza ceasefire collapse looms

Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday (February 12, 2025) vowed that “all hell will break loose” on Hamas if it fails to free hostages this weekend as planned, stepping up threats against the militant group as mediators worked to salvage their ceasefire.

There were signs that the gaps could be bridged. The dispute was sparked when Hamas accused Israel of failing to meet some commitments under the truce, including the delivery of tents and other aid, and said it would delay the next hostage release on Saturday.

Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawi told The Associated Press there were “positive signals” the three hostages will be released as planned on Saturday (February 15, 2025) but the group had not yet received a commitment from Israel that it would adhere to the deal.