Trump Urges Israel to End Ceasefire if Hostages Aren't Released by Hamas

United States President Donald Trump has called for Israel to end its ceasefire in Gaza and resume military action if all hostages are not released by the end of the week. This statement came after Hamas announced a delay in releasing hostages that were scheduled for Saturday. Trump mentioned that Israel might choose to ignore his ultimatum and the Saturday noon deadline, but he might discuss the matter with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump stated, "As far as I am 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."

Hamas had earlier announced a delay in the release of Israeli hostages, citing Israeli violations of the ongoing hostage-ceasefire deal. Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing Qassam Brigades, stated that the handover of hostages "will be postponed until further notice, and until the occupation commits to and compensates for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively."

Hamas later issued a statement indicating that there was still a chance for the planned release to proceed as scheduled, describing the delay as a "warning" to Israel to fully honor the ceasefire agreement. The group aims to give mediators time to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations.

Trump also compared the released hostages by Hamas to Holocaust survivors, noting their poor condition and treatment. He expressed concern over their emaciated state and the brutal treatment they endured.