Trump issues ultimatum to Hamas on hostage release, threatening fragile ceasefire
President Trump issued a final atim to Hamas on Monday, saying that if all Israeli hostages were not released from Gaza by noon Saturday, “all hell will collapse.”
When Mr. Trump asked reporters about the details about what this means, he initially replied: “You will find, and they will find it too. Hamas will find what I mean.” Then, he said, ending the ceasefire would be ” Israel’s decision, but he believes that it would be “appropriate” to cancel the agreement if his deadline does not release the hostages.
Mr. Trump commented on hostage negotiations when he signed the execution order at the White House.
Hamas said on Monday that a spokesperson has been postponed after the next hostage release scheduled for Saturday Israel has been accused of violating the ceasefire agreement Passed air strikes against Palestinians in Gaza.
“This includes delays to allow displaced Palestinians to return to Northern Gaza, targeting air strikes and gunfire across various areas of the Strip and failing to facilitate access to humanitarian aid.” Wing, QASSAM Brigade.
Defense Minister Katz said Hamas’ plan to delay the next hostage release is a “complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement, and he directed the Israeli military to the highest measures. The Prime Minister’s hostage coordinator said the Israeli government intends to live up to the end of the deal.
The current six-week ceasefire agreement and Hamas calls for the release of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in exchange for terrorist attacks by about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
But as Mr. Trump threatened to urge the deal on Monday, he said Saturday’s delay in hostage releases (including the release of three hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners), Includes all remaining hostages.
“I would say they should return at 12 on Saturday,” Mr. Trump said. “…everyone is not dripping and monotonous, not two and three, four, four and two.”
Agence France-Presse, a senior Hamas leader told France on Tuesday that warnings about Israel’s hostages “further make matters more complicated” were linked to a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Trump must remember that both sides must respect the agreement, which is the only way to return to prisoners (hostages).” He added: “The language of threats has no value,” he added. , further complicating things.”
The president said Palestinians do not have the right to return to Gaza He “will have this”, referring to his statement last week The United States will “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip Palestinians should not return.
Since the ceasefire came into effect last month, Israel and Hamas have held five exchanges, freeing 18 hostages. Including Keith Siegelhas dual Israeli nationality and has more than 730 Palestinian prisoners.
this Recent exchangesThe sensation, which took place on February 8, caused some alarms due to the debilitation of the three male hostages released by Hamas. The hostages and missing family forum said that after seeing the man’s condition, the three male hostages “endured hell itself.”
Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire (promoted by the United States, Qatar and Egypt) have begun, but Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza last week may complicate the situation.
The plan developed by the president (he did not back down) has received tentative support from the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but has been surrounded by many countries in the region and around the world, including the Special Administrative Region. Mr. Trump said Israel, whose population of Gaza should be relocated.
Contributed to this report.
