February 11, 2025
The United States of America, USA, President Donald Trump has given Palestinian militant organisation Hamas an ultimatum to release all remaining hostages being held in Gaza or face the wrath.
Trump threatened that if all the remaining hostages were not released by “Saturday at 12 o’clock.’’ the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which commenced on Jan. 19, for an initial six weeks, would be terminated.
Although the U.S. president did not specify which time zone he was referring to, “all hell is going to break out,’’ Trump said at the White House in Washington.
Trump stated that the decision lies with Israel. “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it,’’ he said.
Trump further said that he did not expect Hamas to comply with his demand. “I don’t think, they’re going to comply. I think a lot of the hostages are dead. I think it’s a great, it’s a great human tragedy.’’
According to Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida on Monday, the group was indefinitely postponing the release of the next set of Israeli hostages.
Obeida blamed the decision on Israel failure to abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Three more hostages had been scheduled to be freed on Saturday in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal.
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However, the release would only be made possible if Israel adheres to the agreement, noting that Israel had repeatedly rejected accusations that it is violating the cease fire agreement.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer has in particular denied that Israel has blocked aid supply to the Gaza Strip.
The halt to the hostage releases has put the already fragile ceasefire in the territory in jeopardy.
So far, Hamas has freed 16 out of 33 Israeli hostages in five rounds under the first phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Five Thai nationals, who were not included in the agreement have also been released and In return, Israel has released 583 Palestinian prisoners, as against an agreed 1,904 captives
