Hamas has dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump‘s warning that “all hell” will break loose if the group does not release the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza by Saturday.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated that hostages would only be freed if Israel abides by a ceasefire agreement reached last month. “Trump must remember there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties,” he said.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The fragile ceasefire, which has facilitated hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries, is at risk of collapse. The failure to secure a lasting agreement could reignite violence and escalate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Trump’s call for Israel to abandon the truce if Hamas does not comply adds further uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
What To Know
Hamas has threatened to delay the scheduled release of three Israeli hostages on Saturday, alleging that Israel has breached the ceasefire by blocking humanitarian aid, including tents and shelters, from reaching civilians. Zuhri warned that threats from U.S. officials would not alter Hamas’s stance.
Trump declared on Monday that Israel should cancel the ceasefire if Hamas fails to release all hostages by midday Saturday, though he acknowledged that the final decision rests with Israeli leadership. His comments have fueled concerns about an imminent return to military operations.
Ceasefire Under Strain
As part of the first phase of the truce, Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages taken during its 2023 attack in exchange for Israel freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Since January 19, five exchanges have taken place, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian detainees.
However, the second phase of the ceasefire—requiring Hamas to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a prolonged truce—remains unresolved. If no deal is reached, military operations could resume as early as March, Israeli officials have warned.
How Did the Latest Conflict in Gaza Start?
The conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting more than 200 as hostages. Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza since then has resulted in more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. The figures provided by the ministry do not differentiate between combatants and civilians. Israel says it has killed some 17,000 Hamas fighters without providing evidence.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said: “If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday 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.”
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, quoted by the AP: “The language of threats has no value; it only complicates matters.”
What Happens Next
With the ceasefire on the brink of failure, Israel’s security cabinet is deliberating whether to resume military operations. If Hamas does not proceed with the next hostage release, Israeli forces may launch renewed strikes. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy can salvage the truce or if full-scale hostilities will return.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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