Donald Trump has stirred international tensions by threatening to propose canceling the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas if all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are not released by Saturday at noon. The former U.S. President's remarks have added to the complexity of an already fragile situation, as the ceasefire agreement outlines a detailed plan for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The ceasefire deal, brokered amid escalating violence, requires Hamas to release 33 hostages in the first stage. However, complications have arisen as eight of these hostages are reportedly deceased. The second phase aims to return all living hostages and ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. So far, Hamas has freed 16 Israeli hostages alive and released five Thai nationals last week.
"But as far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday 12 o'clock – I think it's an appropriate time – I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out," said Donald Trump.
Trump's comments marked his second unplanned intervention in the crisis on Monday, sparking protests in Tel Aviv where demonstrators blocked streets, demanding the swift return of all hostages. Meanwhile, Qatari diplomats conveyed their displeasure to Israeli counterparts, emphasizing their vested interest in maintaining the ceasefire.
In preparation for a potential resurgence of conflict, the Israeli army has canceled all leave for soldiers stationed in the Gaza division. Trump further complicated matters by suggesting he could "conceivably take over" Gaza and relocate millions of Palestinians to neighboring Arab states. He also indicated that he might withhold aid from countries like Jordan and Egypt if they do not accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
"We want them all back. I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it, but for myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock – and if they're not here, all hell is going to break out," Trump asserted.
Hamas has responded to these developments with a commitment to release the remaining hostages on Saturday. A spokesperson from the group reiterated this promise, adding that the current stalemate is a result of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions.
"Abu Obeida's statement is a direct result of Netanyahu's irresponsible behaviour," stated Einav Zangauker, underscoring that Netanyahu's "deliberate procrastination and unnecessary provocative statements disrupted the implementation of the agreement."
The skeletal condition of three hostages recently released has shocked many Israelis, heightening pressure on the government to expedite a resolution. In Washington, Egypt's foreign minister Badr Abdelatty met with his U.S. counterpart and issued a statement rejecting any compromise that undermines Palestinians' rights. This stance reflects a broader consensus among Arab states, which have collectively denounced Trump's proposed strategy for the Gaza Strip.
Trump's controversial remarks have also drawn concern from the United Nations' top investigator, who has questioned the broader implications of such a plan. Despite these criticisms, Trump remains resolute in his stance.
"You’ll find out. And they’ll find out too. Hamas will find out what I mean. These are sick people," Trump said, asserting his readiness to act if his demands are not met.
While Trump's proposed measures have been criticized for their potential humanitarian impact, he justified his relocation plan by highlighting perceived benefits for Palestinians.
"They're all gonna leave," Trump stated regarding Palestinians resistant to leaving Gaza. When questioned about potential resistance to relocation, he responded, "No, they wouldn't, because they're going to have much better housing."
Despite these assurances, Arab leaders have voiced their apprehension about the feasibility and ethics of such a plan. The timeline for making Gaza habitable remains uncertain, with Trump suggesting it could take several years.
"Could be five, six, could be two," he speculated.