Israel ‘Reserves Right To Resume War’, Says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday said Israel reserves the right to resume the Gaza war “if needed” should further negotiations collapse.

In a statement with less than 12 hours to go before the ceasefire expected to begin today,  he spoke about the 33 hostages “coming home” as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal – and thanked US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.

Before the speech, Netanyahu also warned that Israel would “not move forward” with the deal until it gets the names of the first three hostages due for release today.

Mediator Egypt issued a statement earlier yesterday saying 1,890 Palestinian prisoners would be released in the ceasefire’s first phase, in exchange for the 33 Israeli hostages –but that number has been unclear.