U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas a strict deadline, demanding that the group release all hostages in Gaza by midday Saturday.
If they fail to comply, he warned that he would push for the cancellation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and allow full-scale conflict to resume, (“let hell break out.”)
While addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Trump voiced frustration over the state of the recently released hostages and Hamas’ decision to stop further releases. He stressed that all captives should be freed immediately rather than in gradual phases.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” Trump said.
He said he wanted the hostages released en masse, instead of a few at a time. “We want ’em all back.”
Trump cautioned that Israel could decide to take action on its own, regardless of his advice, and mentioned the possibility of discussing the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He also hinted at the potential suspension of U.S. financial aid to Jordan and Egypt if they decline to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza. His remarks come just days before his planned meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday.
