“If all the hostages are not released by Saturday at 12:00 (noon), I would cancel the ceasefire—let hell break loose,” Trump declared from the Oval Office. While clarifying that the decision ultimately rests with Israel, Trump made it clear he was speaking for himself and accused Hamas of deliberately stalling the hostage release process: “They are looking for excuses not to release more hostages because many of them are in critical condition—physically and mentally. What you’re seeing now are probably the hostages in the best shape,” he said.
Trump rejected the idea of releasing hostages in small batches, stating that he expects the immediate release of all 76 remaining hostages held by Hamas. “I don’t want dribs and drabs. Not three, then two. I want them all,” he insisted, while acknowledging his belief that many hostages may no longer be alive.
Trump: “If Egypt and Jordan Refuse to Take in Gazans, I Will Cut Their Aid”
Commenting on his plans for the resettlement and reconstruction of Gaza, Trump stated: “If Egypt and Jordan refuse to accept Palestinian refugees, I will consider cutting off their aid.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke yesterday with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Ati, emphasizing that Hamas must never again control Gaza or threaten Israel.
Hamas Suspends Hostage Deal, Israel Remains Hopeful for Resolution
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida announced last night that the terrorist organization was “delaying the hostage deal until further notice.” A senior Israeli official acknowledged that Hamas’s statement was concerning but noted that there was still enough time to resolve the crisis before Saturday. The official suggested that Hamas is likely still interested in continuing the planned releases.
According to a report from the Israeli news site, Ynet, Israel remains hopeful that Hamas will ultimately comply with the upcoming phases of the deal.
Hamas Using Psychological Terror to Pressure Israel
Israeli negotiators believe Hamas is stalling as a pressure tactic, attempting to maximize its leverage while engaging in psychological warfare. Hamas itself acknowledged this strategy, stating in a separate announcement that the delay was intended to send Israel a warning and apply pressure for full compliance with the agreement. “Postponing the hostage release is a signal to Israel, a form of pressure to ensure strict adherence to all clauses of the agreement,” Hamas stated. The announcement was strategically timed—five days before the scheduled handover of hostages—to allow mediators sufficient time to pressure Israel into meeting Hamas’s demands.
Israel Prepares for All Scenarios
In response to the developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved up the Security Cabinet meeting to early morning. Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas’s actions, calling them a “blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage deal.” Katz ordered the IDF to remain on high alert, stating: “Hamas’s decision to halt the release of Israeli hostages is a complete breach of the ceasefire agreement. I have instructed the IDF to be fully prepared for any possible scenario in Gaza and to ensure the security of our communities. We will not return to the reality of October 7.”
