Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has indefinitely suspended the release of hostages held in Gaza, citing violations of the ceasefire agreement. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump has made a strong statement on the issue.
He said that all hostages must be released by noon on Saturday. If that does not happen, the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza should come to an end. Reuters reported this information in a news article on Tuesday, February 11.
On Monday, President Trump stated that if all hostages detained in Gaza are not returned by noon on Saturday, he would propose canceling the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and allowing a situation to unfold that could “suddenly turn violent.”
Speaking to journalists in the Oval Office, Trump also mentioned that he could halt aid to Jordan and Egypt if they do not facilitate the relocation of Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
Earlier, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and announced the indefinite suspension of hostage releases. Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida stated, “Over the past three weeks, our resistance leaders have observed the enemy (Israel) repeatedly violating the agreement. They have failed to uphold the terms of the deal, including delaying the return of displaced civilians to northern Gaza and attacking them in various locations. Additionally, they have not allowed humanitarian aid to enter Gaza as per the agreement.”
Abu Ubaida further added, “On the other hand, the resistance forces have fully honored their commitments.”
He continued, “The scheduled release of Zionist hostages on Saturday, February 15, has been suspended. This suspension will remain in effect until further notice. We will stand firm on this decision until the occupiers fulfill the terms of the agreement.”
Following Hamas’s announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to remain on high alert.