Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a harsh ultimatum to Hamas. During his speech, he said that Israel would resume full-scale military operations in the Gaza Strip if hostages held by the militants were not released by midday on February 15. 

"We are giving Hamas until 12:00. If the hostages are not released, Israel will respond immediately. Our goal is clear: to bring our people home. If this demand is not met, the military operation will be resumed in full."" Netanyahu said. 

Israeli sources say Hamas is holding dozens of civilians, including women and children, in the latest flare-up of the conflict. Negotiations for their release are being brokered by Egypt and Qatar, but officials say progress has been minimal. 

Israel had previously suspended active military operations in the Gaza Strip in an attempt to find a diplomatic solution to the problem. However, in recent days the situation has escalated again.

In response, Israel said it would not make concessions until all hostages were released. The country's military command emphasized that the army was ready to resume the operation at any moment.