Trump Calls for End to Gaza Ceasefire if Israeli Hostages Are Not Released

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the Gaza ceasefire to be canceled if all remaining Israeli hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, warning Hamas that “all hell is going to break out.”

Trump’s remarks came just hours after Hamas announced it would delay the release of more hostages, accusing Israel of violating their ceasefire agreement.

While signing a series of new executive orders, Trump expressed concerns that some Israeli hostages expected to be freed may have already been killed.

Referring to his deadline, Trump stated: “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out.” However, he acknowledged that the final decision on ending the ceasefire rested with Israel, adding, “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”

Controversy Over Gaza's Future

In a separate statement, Trump declared that Palestinians would not have the right to return under his vision for U.S. “ownership” of Gaza. His comments contradicted officials in his administration, who previously suggested displaced Palestinians would be relocated temporarily.

Jordan has strongly opposed any resettlement plan, with King Abdullah set to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the crisis.

Ceasefire Deal Under Threat

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, claiming Israeli forces delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and targeted them with shelling and gunfire.

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stated that while the group remained committed to the truce, the planned release of hostages on February 15 had been postponed “until the occupation commits to and compensates for the past weeks.”
Egyptian security officials, speaking to Reuters, said mediators now fear the ceasefire deal is on the brink of collapse, with Hamas doubting Israel’s commitment to the agreement, which began on January 19.

The most recent hostage release occurred over the weekend, with three Israeli men freed. Last month, five Thai citizens held in Gaza were also released and reunited with their families in Bangkok.

The ongoing crisis stems from the October 7, 2023, attack, during which around 250 hostages were taken and 1,200 people were killed.