In a tense statement from the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump has given Hamas an ultimatum to release all Israeli hostages by midday Saturday, or he will propose ending the fragile ceasefire and allow conflict to escalate. Trump’s comments come after Hamas announced on Monday that it would stop releasing hostages, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Trump warned, “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. They ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday.” While expressing concerns about the situation, Trump acknowledged that Israel might ultimately decide on the next steps.
Trump also reiterated his controversial plan to purchase Gaza and transform the war-torn region into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” a proposal that involves displacing the Palestinian population, drawing condemnation from critics.
As tensions rise, Trump is set to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan on Tuesday. When asked if he would withhold aid from Jordan or Egypt if they refused to accept Palestinian refugees, Trump responded, “Yeah, maybe, sure, why not… if they don’t agree I would conceivably withhold aid.”
In another contentious moment, Trump declared that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to Gaza under his plan. His remarks on the region’s future are part of ongoing efforts to shape a new vision for Gaza, one that has further complicated an already fragile situation.
Trump’s comments have intensified discussions around the ceasefire and the future of Gaza, while also putting pressure on neighboring countries to reconsider their positions on the Palestinian issue.
Read more:
