Incoming President Donald Trump issued a warning regarding the potential consequences of a collapse of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, stating that significant turmoil could ensue if the accord, scheduled to take effect Sunday morning, fails.
In an interview conducted less than 48 hours before his anticipated return to the White House, Trump was asked about his expectations regarding the release of hostages by the terrorist organization under the three-phase agreement that was finalized earlier in the week, with the first group of captives slated for release on Sunday afternoon.
“We will have clarity shortly, and it is imperative that this agreement is upheld,” Trump conveyed to NBC News.
He indicated that he had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “continue implementing necessary actions.” “This situation must come to a resolution.
We seek an end to the conflict, yet it is vital to persist in necessary measures,” he remarked to the Israeli leader.
He also noted that the two leaders are scheduled to convene “in the near future,” although he refrained from providing additional specifics.
Former President Trump did not elaborate on the specific measures he might pursue if the hostages held in Gaza are not released.
It is estimated that nearly 100 individuals remain in captivity, and there are concerns that some of these hostages may already be deceased.
On Monday, Hamas provided a detailed list featuring the names of 34 hostages they claim are part of the initial stage of a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel.
This development has heightened the stakes in ongoing negotiations.
Trump reiterated his warning as his appointed envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, addressed reporters, stating that significant progress has been made in the discussions taking place in Doha, Qatar, aimed at securing the freedom of hostages taken during the brutal incursion by Hamas into Israel on October 7, 2023.
“I believe we’ve been on the verge of it,” Witkoff asserted, after Trump acknowledged him from across the room and invited him to the podium to share his insights.
Witkoff also indicated his intentions to return to Doha on either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning to continue his involvement.
However, the specifics of Witkoff’s role in these delicate negotiations remain ambiguous, especially considering Trump will not assume office again for another two weeks, and Witkoff is not yet an official representative of the U.S. government.
Earlier in the day, Hamas reiterated its stance, insisting that Israel must entirely cease military operations against Gaza as a precondition for any agreement regarding the release of hostages.
This demand underscores the complexities and tensions surrounding the negotiation landscape.
