Israel has delivered an ultimatum to Hamas—agree to a hostage deal within days or face punitive steps such as Gaza buffer zone annexation, martial law, and an intensified siege.
In a direct and uncompromising ultimatum, Israel has warned Hamas that failure to agree to a hostage release deal within days will trigger severe punitive measures—including the possible annexation of the IDF‑controlled buffer zone around the Gaza Strip.
According to Kan News, a senior Israeli official confirmed that the warning was sent via mediators, stressing that Jerusalem is prepared to escalate its response if Hamas continues to stonewall negotiations.
Following the conclusion of Operation Gideon’s Chariots without a breakthrough on the hostage issue, Israel’s defense establishment is weighing drastic alternatives, among them:
- Annexing the IDF‑secured buffer zone along Gaza’s perimeter
- Enforcing martial law in select areas
- Imposing a full siege on major population centers inside Gaza
Defense officials argue that Hamas’s continued refusal to progress toward a deal—despite intense international pressure and the propaganda‑driven “starvation” narrative—leaves Israel no choice but to consider disproportionate measures.
“If Hamas continues to reject a hostage deal, we will act decisively,” an Israeli source stated. “Extreme steps may be the only language they understand.”
Jerusalem hopes that a breakthrough in the coming days will make such drastic measures unnecessary, but officials have made it clear: the clock is ticking and Israel’s patience is running out.
