Trump Threatens to End Gaza Ceasefire if Hamas Doesn’t Release Hostages
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, demanding that all hostages held in Gaza be released by noon on Saturday. Failure to comply, Trump warned, would lead to a cancellation of the ceasefire with Israel and severe consequences.
“If all the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock… cancel it and all bets are off, and let hell break out,” Trump told reporters on Monday from the Oval Office. He further hinted at possible military consequences but declined to elaborate, stating, “Hamas will find out what I mean.”
The ceasefire, negotiated with the help of Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is already under strain following accusations by Hamas that Israel violated the terms of the agreement. In response, Hamas has postponed a planned hostage release.
Trump also expressed doubts about the survival of many hostages, saying, “I think a lot of the hostages are dead.”
Meanwhile, Trump has reignited controversy by proposing that the US take control of Gaza and prevent Palestinians from returning to the region. In a recent Fox News interview, he said, “We’ll build safe communities a little bit away from where they are… Think of it as a real estate development for the future.”
The plan, which Trump described as a long-term rebuilding project, has been met with widespread international criticism. Leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations have rejected the proposal outright. However, Trump suggested he might withhold US aid if those nations refuse to accept new Palestinian refugees. “We give them billions and billions of dollars a year,” Trump remarked, signaling his willingness to use financial leverage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to soften the president’s remarks, suggesting the resettlements would be temporary while Gaza is rebuilt. However, Trump has doubled down on his stance, framing Gaza as a “real estate opportunity” for long-term stability in the region.
