Gaza ceasefire deal to end if Hamas doesn’t release all hostages by Saturday: Trump

The statement by Trump comes as Hamas announced to suspend the release of hostages indefinitely, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire terms.

By: Express Web Desk

February 11, 2025 06:21 AM IST

3 min read

Israeli captives Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy, who have been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, are escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)

US President Donald Trump has said that Gaza based Hamas militant group should release all the hostages by Saturday noon, otherwise he would propose canceling the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement and “all hell will break loose”.

The statement by Trump comes as Hamas announced to suspend the release of hostages indefinitely, which was scheduled for Saturday, as it accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms signed three weeks ago.

While speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said that it was up to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a call on the ceasefire deal but warned Hamas that “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out.” Talking about the ceasefire, Trump said “Cancel it, and all bets are off.”

Trump was asked if the US forces would join Israel in its offensive against Hamas if the hostages are not released, he said “Hamas will find out what I mean.”

Freed Palestinian prisoners are greeted by a crowd as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, souther Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)

However, Trump added that he was speaking for himself and Israel was free to “override it” as it is Tel Aviv which has to take a final decision on it.

After Hamas announced a delay in releasing hostages and apparently suspending it, Israel’s defence minister placed the military on high alert, preparing for “any scenario in Gaza.”

Also Read | What’s in the draft Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal?

Hamas, however, has signalled that the doors for future prisoner exchanges “remain open” but asked Israel to meet its obligations as per the ceasefire agreement.

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“We intentionally made this announcement five days before the scheduled prisoner handover, allowing mediators ample time to pressure Israel towards fulfilling its obligations,” Hamas said in a statement.

Trump, who earlier proposed a US takeover of Gaza Strip and turning it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” was asked in an interview with Fox News if Palestinians in Gaza would have a right to return to the territory, and the Republican president said, “No, they wouldn’t.”

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