U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the Israel-Hamas ceasefire will be scrapped if all hostages held in Gaza are not released by Saturday at noon, saying he would let “all hell break loose.”
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, President Donald Trump said that if the remaining hostages are not freed by the deadline, he would support ending the ceasefire. He also suggested withholding U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
The ceasefire, in place since January 19, has held despite sporadic incidents. However, tensions escalated after Hamas’ military wing announced a halt to further hostage releases, accusing Israel of blocking aid, targeting Palestinians, and delaying the return of displaced Gazans.
In response, Israeli protesters gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, demanding the government prioritise negotiations to secure the captives’ release. Families of the hostages have urged officials to ensure the deal continues without further setbacks.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz rejected Hamas’ claims, stating that delaying hostage exchanges violates the agreement. He has instructed the military to maintain maximum readiness in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed lawmakers in the Knesset, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to bringing the hostages home. He warned that those responsible for harming captives would “bear the consequences.” Netanyahu also praised Trump’s post-war proposal for Gaza’s future, calling it a “new, revolutionary idea.”
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt warn that the ceasefire agreement is in jeopardy, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Talks over the next phase remain stalled, increasing uncertainty about whether the truce will hold or if fighting will resume.
Trump’s comments add further pressure to the already fragile negotiations, raising the stakes for all parties involved.
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