In a recent development, President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza by noon on Saturday.
Failure to comply, he warns, will result in the termination of the current ceasefire and a significant escalation of military actions.
Trump emphasized that if the hostages are not freed by the specified deadline, he would advocate for canceling the ceasefire and “let all hell break out.”
This ultimatum follows Hamas’s recent decision to delay the release of additional hostages, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel.
Hamas accused Israel of not adhering to the terms related to the return of displaced individuals, attacks on civilians, and hindrances to humanitarian aid.
In response, Israeli officials have condemned the delay, labeling it a breach of the agreement, and have placed their military on high alert.
The ceasefire, which has been in effect since January 19, 2025, was established to facilitate the release of hostages and provide a pause in the ongoing conflict.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas was to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the liberation of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention facilities.
While several exchanges have occurred, the process has been marred by delays and reports of poor conditions among the released individuals.
President Trump’s ultimatum underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire and the complexities involved in negotiating the release of hostages amidst ongoing tensions.
The international community watches closely as the Saturday deadline approaches, with the potential for significant implications depending on the actions taken by both parties.
