US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that Hamas must return the deceased hostages, including two American citizens, within 48 hours, or it will not be treated fairly in future negotiations.
"We have a very strong PEACE in the Middle East, and I believe it has a good chance of being EVERLASTING," Trump wrote on his TRUTH Social account. But he followed with a sharp warning: "Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages, including two Americans, quickly, or the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action."
He noted that while some of the hostages' bodies may be difficult to retrieve, others could be returned by Hamas immediately. "that only applies if they comply with their obligations," he said.
Trump concluded by saying "Let's see what they do over the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely."
Meanwhile, senior Israeli officials said Saturday that the number of deceased hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip is expected to fall into the single digits within the coming week or two. According to those sources, only a handful will remain, following Israel's approval for an Egyptian delegation to enter Gaza with engineering equipment and a growing understanding in the region that "the excuses have run out."
