Israel News for 2-12-2025
News Update
Israel’s cabinet voted to align with the ultimatum issued by President Trump, demanding that Hamas release all of the hostages by Saturday noon or Israel will resume fighting Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end the IDF will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas. We all welcomed President Trump’s demand to release our hostages by Saturday noon as well, and we all welcomed the President’s revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza.” He added, “In light of Hamas’s announcement regarding its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, last night I instructed the IDF to amass forces inside – and surrounding – the Gaza Strip. This action is being carried out at this hour and will be completed very soon.”
Hamas leaders have reportedly been ordered to stop using their mobile phones, to avoid being tracked and potentially attacked. Many Hamas leaders returned to using their phones when the ceasefire began. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo today to continue negotiations. Egypt and Qatar are reportedly intensifying their efforts to salvage the ceasefire deal. [Releasing all the hostages by Saturday noon seems like a great option.]
President Trump met with Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House yesterday. Trump reiterated his plan to transfer the population of Gaza and take over and rebuild the Strip. Abdullah expressed support for the President and said that Jordan would immediately accept 2,000 Palestinian children needing medical care. Trump stressed that he was confident that Jordan and Egypt would would with him and accept Palestinians from Gaza, and adding that the U.S. provides billions of dollars of aid to both countries.
