President Donald Trump has issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the release of all Israeli hostages by Saturday at noon, or risk the full collapse of the fragile ceasefire.
“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire,” Trump declared. “Let all hell break out. Israel can override it.”
Hamas officials immediately rejected Trump’s demand, calling it a “language of threats” and insisting that Israel must first abide by the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas Stalls, Trump Pushes for Action
Hamas, which has delayed hostage releases, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by restricting humanitarian aid and attacking parts of Gaza. The terror group’s spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, fired back at Trump’s ultimatum.
“Trump must remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties, and this is the only way to bring back the prisoners,” he told Reuters.
Despite Hamas’ complaints, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel would do whatever it takes to secure the release of all remaining hostages.
“We will continue to take determined and ruthless action until we return all of our hostages – the living and the deceased,” Netanyahu said, as he mourned the death of Shlomo Mansour, an Israeli killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack.
Trump’s Gaza Plan Sends Shockwaves Through the Region
Trump’s vision for Gaza’s future has infuriated Palestinian and Arab leaders, as he proposes U.S. control of the territory and the relocation of Gaza’s 2 million residents. His plan aims to replace the war-torn strip with a modern, developed region, dubbing it the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Unsurprisingly, the idea has sparked backlash. Jordan’s King Abdullah is set to meet with Trump, a meeting expected to be tense, as Trump has threatened to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to resettle Palestinians.
Israel’s Far-Right Calls for Maximum Pressure
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has echoed Trump’s hardline approach, urging Israel to cut off electricity and water to Gaza until Hamas hands over the hostages.
“We have to issue an ultimatum to Hamas. Cut off electricity and water, stop humanitarian aid. To open the gates of hell,” Smotrich said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that any escalation would be a disaster. He urged Hamas to release the hostages immediately and called on both sides to honor the ceasefire agreement.
A Countdown to Chaos?
Trump’s no-nonsense ultimatum has rattled the region. If Hamas refuses to comply, Israel will have the green light to end the ceasefire and resume full military operations.
With the Saturday deadline looming, the world is watching—will Hamas fold, or will Trump’s words become reality as Israel unleashes hell on Gaza?
