Trump on Hostage Crisis: “At Some Point, We Will Lose Patience”

By Hadas Amram

Two days after the release of hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levi, and Eli Sharabi, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida announced on Monday that the terror group is “postponing the continuation of the deal until further notice.” In a statement to Saudi media, Hamas declared, “We will resume handing over Israeli hostages once Israel fulfills its commitments.”

In response, an Israeli political source stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to advance the security cabinet meeting to the morning.

Following Hamas’ announcement, Israel’s Hostages, Missing Persons, and Returnees Directorate informed the families of the remaining captives that “the State of Israel stands by the agreement as written and views any violation with severity.”

“A Complete Violation of the Ceasefire Agreement”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also condemned Hamas’ statement: “Hamas’ announcement that it is halting the release of Israeli hostages is a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage release deal. I have instructed the IDF to prepare for the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect Israeli communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7.”

IDF Prepares for Potential Escalation
As part of military preparations for a potential resumption of combat, the IDF has declared an exit lockdown for troops stationed in the Gaza Division.

Israel: Hamas Is the One Violating the Agreement

Earlier today, Israeli officials accused Hamas of violating the agreement. A negotiation team that returned from Doha early this morning made it clear to mediators that Hamas’ actions—both in breaking the agreement and in its inflammatory rhetoric and false accusations that Israel is the one breaching the deal—could lead to escalation and endanger further negotiations.

Israeli Hostages Were Starved on Purpose

During discussions, the Israeli delegation addressed Hamas’ claims that Israel is blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli sources stated, “These claims have been examined and are baseless.” The delegation also discussed the condition of the hostages, particularly the plight of Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levi, and Eli Sharabi, who reportedly suffered from prolonged starvation while in captivity.

Despite ongoing mediation efforts, Hamas announced this evening that it is “postponing until further notice” the scheduled release of three hostages who were set to be freed this coming Saturday. The terror group conditioned their release on Israel “recommitting” to the agreement and “compensating” for recent developments. Hamas called on mediators to pressure Israel into adhering to the “terms of the ceasefire.”

In its statement to Saudi media, Hamas reiterated: “We will resume handing over Israeli hostages once Israel fulfills its commitments.”

Trump: “I Don’t Know How Much Longer We Can Tolerate This”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the hostage situation last night: “I don’t know how much longer we can tolerate this. I know there’s a deal where hostages are being released in a trickle, but they are in very bad condition. They are being treated horribly.”

Trump added that at some point, patience will run out: “I don’t know how much longer we can take this. These are people who were healthy and now look 25 years older. Like pictures of Holocaust survivors.”