Trump threatens to withdraw support for Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has voiced his displeasure over the current ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. His comments came after he watched videos of recently freed Israeli hostages who looked severely malnourished. "They look like Holocaust survivors. They were in horrible condition. They were emaciated," Trump said. He hinted at a possible US exit from the deal, saying, "I don't know how much longer we can take that... at some point, we're going to lose our patience."
Hostage release
Hostages' condition sparks international concern
The hostages, identified as Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, were released on Saturday after being abducted in a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023. The men looked frail as they were handed over to Israeli authorities by Hamas gunmen. Trump observed that their condition was worse than that of the 18 hostages released earlier under the truce agreed on January 19.
Netanyahu's response
Israel's PM reacts to hostages' condition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had called the sight of the weak hostages "shocking" and promised it would be addressed. In return for these three Israeli men, Israel had released 183 Palestinian prisoners on the same day. Many of these prisoners also looked thin and emaciated. The exchange is part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that started on January 19, making it the fifth swap of hostages for prisoners since.
Deal scrutiny
Ceasefire deal under scrutiny amid hostage crisis
The ceasefire halted a 15-month-long war in the Gaza Strip where Israel's retaliatory attack has claimed over 47,000 lives, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Eighteen hostages and over 550 Palestinian prisoners have already been released under the deal. The three hostages were paraded by Hamas before a crowd in Gaza ahead of their release. Unlike previous releases where hostages didn't speak, each was made to give a statement before being handed over.
Gaza ownership
Trump reiterates controversial stance on Gaza
Trump also reiterated his controversial stance on Gaza, saying he remained committed to having the US take control of the territory after Palestinians leave/are removed. "As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices. But we're committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn't move back," he said.