President Donald Trump on Monday warned that “all hell is going to break out” and that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be terminated if Hamas doesn’t release the remaining hostages by midday on Saturday.
“If they’re not returned — all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two — by Saturday at 12 o’clock,” Trump said. “And after that, I would say, all hell is going to break out.”
Trump added that it’s ultimately up to Israel to decide, but that “Hamas will find out” if the deadline isn’t met. He also said “we’ll see what happens,” when asked if he can rule out U.S. involvement once midday Saturday arrives.
Trump’s response comes after Hamas threatened on Monday to delay the further release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire deal. The potential postponement poses a serious challenge to a precarious agreement, and comes amid increasing pressures in Israel after the release of the three emaciated Israeli hostages over the weekend after months of captivity.
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