On Saturday, February 15, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding the release of all hostages by midnight. He warned Hamas and other Palestinian groups that if the hostages were not freed by Saturday night, “Gaza will be turned into hell.”
However, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have released three Israeli hostages today. A few hours later, Trump made a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “The United States will support whatever decision Israel makes tonight.”
He wrote, “The released hostages seem to be in good condition. Now, Israel must decide on the ultimatum regarding the release of all hostages by Saturday midnight. The United States will support whatever decision they make.”
Amid Trump’s threats, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a security meeting on Saturday night.
According to the Times of Israel, the meeting will discuss the ongoing ceasefire, as well as Trump’s ultimatum for the release of all hostages.
In response to Trump’s warning, the armed group Hamas issued a statement urging the U.S. to pressure Israel into agreeing to a ceasefire to ensure the hostages’ release. Hamas stated that Israel would not be able to free the hostages without negotiations.