President Donald Trump addressed the hostage situation in Gaza late Monday night, warning that if all hostages are not freed by Saturday at 12 p.m., the ceasefire should be scrapped. and "let hell break out." He declared, "If they are not all released, not one, two, or three, then afterward, let all break out."
During a meeting with reporters while signing executive orders, Trump compared the conditions of released hostages to the horrors of the Holocaust. "I looked at the hostages that came in, and they're emaciated. It looked like something out of the 1930s. It's an absolute disgrace" he said. Trump claimed that Hamas is releasing hostages who appear to be in better condition, but even they are severely affected.
Video: Trump: 'If hostages aren't returned by Saturday noon, let hell break out'
Trump argued that many Palestinians in Gaza that "They're all gonna leave," and noted that he has spoken with regional leaders on the matter. According to him, some leaders are even willing to allocate land for Palestinian refugees. "If we could build them a good place to live, the Gazans would agree."
Referring to his upcoming meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah, Trump expressed confidence that Jordan would agree to take in Palestinian refugees, adding that he is considering delaying aid to Egypt and Jordan if they refuse to accept refugees.
"Hamas will find out what I mean."
Trump stressed that Hamas would pay a heavy price if it fails to release all hostages by his set deadline. "You'll find out, and they'll find out to. Hamas will find out what I mean." When asked about the future of the West Bank, Trump said he has no specific plans for the area.
A senior Hamas official responded Tuesday morning to Trump's threat, telling Reuters: "He should remember that there is an agreement that must be honored by both sides, this is the only way to secure the release of the hostages. The language of threats is meaningless and only complicates matters."
Trump's remarks came after Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida declared that the release of hostages would depend on Israeli compensation for what he called "violations" of the ceasefire agreement. Israel dismissed the claim, saying it was an attempt to pressure for additional supplies into Gaza. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security assessment with the defense minister and coalition leaders.
