On Monday, President Donald Trump called on Israel to abandon its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, warning that failure to return all hostages held by the militant group by Saturday noon would lead to severe consequences. In a statement made from the Oval Office, President Trump expressed frustration over the hostage situation, which has been a key issue in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Trump’s remarks came after Hamas threatened to delay the next scheduled release of hostages, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire. In response, Trump suggested that Israel should cancel the ceasefire if all hostages were not released by the deadline. “If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I would say, cancel it, and all bets are off,” Trump stated. He further warned that “all hell is going to break out” if the hostages were not returned, although he did not specify the exact nature of the consequences.
Pressed on his statement, Trump suggested that Hamas would understand the severity of his warning, adding, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out — Hamas will find out what I mean.” The President also expressed doubt over whether many of the hostages were still alive, citing concerns about their well-being.
In addition to the hostage situation, Trump reiterated his controversial plan for Gaza, which includes the United States taking control of the region, rebuilding it, and permanently displacing Palestinians. He suggested that Palestinians would not have the right to return under his proposal. “They will have much better housing,” Trump claimed, emphasizing that the region’s reconstruction would result in more stable living conditions for those displaced.
Trump’s plan to reshape Gaza has sparked backlash from international leaders, including those in Jordan and Egypt, who have rejected the idea. Trump, however, hinted that he could withhold American aid from both countries if they did not accept Palestinian refugees as part of the proposal.
Trump’s comments come amid increasing uncertainty in the Middle East, as his administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, had previously been involved in brokering the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, since Trump’s reelection, the situation has remained tense, with ongoing disagreements over the future of Gaza.
