Trump warns Hamas of consequences if Gaza hostages not released
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has warned Hamas that "all hell will break loose" if the militant group fails to release the remaining hostages from Gaza by noon on Saturday.
The warning came after the terror group announced that it was postponing the next scheduled release of Israeli hostages due to Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal.
Trump stressed that while he personally supports canceling the ceasefire if hostages aren't freed, the final decision lies with Israel.
Commitment reaffirmed
Trump reiterates commitment to US ownership of Gaza
He said that all the remaining hostages should be freed, "not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two."
"We want them all back. I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it, but for myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock—and if they're not here, all hell is going to break out," he warned.
Accusations made
Hamas accuses Israel of non-compliance with truce terms
In a post on X, Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said that the handover of the hostages "will be postponed until further notice and until the occupation commits to and compensates for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively."
Obeida detailed various violations of the agreement by Israel. They include "delaying the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, targeting them with shelling and gunfire...and refusing to allow the entry of relief supplies."
Proposal backlash
Trump's controversial proposal for US control over Gaza
However, Hamas later stated that the release might still take place as planned.
It said the move was meant to pressure Israel into "fully honoring" the terms of the ceasefire deal.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that he has directed the military to "prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza."
The defense minister called Hamas' actions a "complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages."
Criticism voiced
Hamas and Arab nations criticize Trump's Gaza proposal
Trump's fresh warning came after he proposed the US taking over Gaza.
He proposed that displaced Palestinians could be temporarily moved to nations like Jordan and Egypt.
A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, called Trump's remarks "absurd" and a sign of ignorance about Palestine.
Al-Rishq claimed Palestinians would resist any plans to transfer or deport them.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 19, ended over 15 months of conflict in Gaza.