President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that "all hell is going to break out" if Hamas fails to release the remaining hostages by midday on Saturday.
"If they're not returned — all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two — by Saturday at 12 o'clock," Trump emphasized. "And after that, I would say, all hell is going to break out."
Escalating Tensions
Trump reiterated that the decision ultimately lies with Israel, but Hamas will face consequences if the deadline is not met. He hinted at potential repercussions, stating, "we'll see what happens," when questioned about U.S. involvement post-deadline.
The recent threats from Hamas to delay the release of hostages in Gaza, accusing Israel of ceasefire violations, have heightened tensions. This potential delay poses a significant challenge to the fragile agreement, especially following the release of three Israeli hostages over the weekend after months of captivity.
Controversial Proposals
Trump's recent statements come in the wake of his proposal for U.S. ownership of Gaza, aiming to transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East." In a Fox News interview, Trump reinforced this idea, contradicting his administration's stance on temporary relocation.
During the interview, Trump asserted that Palestinians would not have the right to return to their homeland under U.S. control. These remarks risk further destabilizing the ceasefire and complicating future negotiations.
Ceasefire Challenges
The ceasefire agreement, established in January, outlined the gradual release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoner releases. While five groups of hostages have been freed since the ceasefire initiation, challenges remain. Seventy-three hostages are reportedly still in Gaza, with uncertainty surrounding their well-being.
As tensions escalate and deadlines loom, the delicate balance between Israel and Hamas is at stake, with the international community closely monitoring the situation for potential developments.