WASHINGTON. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the militant group release all hostages held in Gaza by midday Saturday. Failing to do so, he warned, could lead to the cancellation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and trigger severe consequences.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 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. I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday,” Trump declared during a wide-ranging press session in the Oval Office.
Trump’s frustration stemmed from the deteriorating condition of the last group of hostages released by Hamas and the militant group’s recent decision to halt further releases. He emphasized that hostages should be released in full, rather than in small groups. “We want ’em all back,” he stated firmly.
In addition to his demands regarding the hostages, Trump suggested he might withhold U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinian refugees being relocated from Gaza. He is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
His remarks coincided with ongoing confusion over his controversial proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza once the fighting ends. Trump previously suggested that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza under his redevelopment plans for the enclave, contradicting statements made by his own officials. In an excerpt from an interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier, Trump said he believed he could negotiate a deal with Jordan and Egypt to absorb displaced Palestinians, citing the billions of dollars the U.S. provides those countries in aid.
Asked directly if Palestinians would be allowed to return to Gaza, Trump responded, “No, they wouldn’t because they’re going to have much better housing. I’m talking about building a permanent place for them.” He added that it would take years for Gaza to be habitable again.
Trump’s idea of relocating Gaza’s 2.2 million residents and transforming the war-torn area into the “Riviera of the Middle East” has sparked outrage across the Arab world.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the proposal, calling it “irresponsible.” He warned, “We affirm that such plans are capable of igniting the region.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously expressed support for Trump’s broader vision, stated that Palestinians would have the ability to return. “They can leave, they can then come back, they can relocate and come back. But you have to rebuild Gaza,” Netanyahu said the day after Trump’s announcement.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to visit the Middle East later this week, echoed concerns about temporary displacement. “Palestinians would have to live somewhere else in the interim,” he stated while declining to explicitly rule out permanent resettlement.
Trump’s statements come amid mounting tensions, as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas—brokered last month—faces collapse. Hamas announced on Monday that it would stop releasing Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating the agreement.
Regional leaders, including officials from Egypt and Jordan, have voiced strong opposition to any plan that would forcibly transfer Palestinians from their land, warning of potential instability.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Rubio in Washington on Monday, reiterating Cairo’s stance against Trump’s plan. “Arab countries support Palestinians in rejecting displacement,” Egypt’s foreign ministry stated, highlighting fears that Palestinians could be pushed across Egypt’s border with Gaza.
Despite the backlash, Trump appeared determined to move forward with his vision. Speaking about potential resettlement efforts, he told Fox News, “I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”
As diplomatic tensions rise, all eyes remain on Saturday’s deadline—and the potential fallout if Hamas refuses to comply.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
