President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum Monday night, declaring that if Hamas fails to release all remaining hostages by noon on Saturday, Israel should immediately end the ceasefire and retaliate with full force.
“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire. Let all hell break loose,” Trump said from the Oval Office after signing executive orders. “Israel can override it.”
Tensions Escalate Amid Delayed Hostage Release
Trump’s statement comes as Hamas announced a delay in the next scheduled release of hostages, citing Israeli ceasefire violations. The armed group claims Israel has failed to uphold its obligations under the truce, including allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza and ensuring the delivery of aid supplies.
“Over the past three weeks, the resistance leadership has monitored the enemy’s violations,” Hamas military wing spokesperson Abu Obeida said in a statement Monday. “We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement, as long as the occupation remains committed to them.”
The ceasefire, now in its sixth week, was structured around a prisoner exchange agreement: Hamas was to release 33 Israeli hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 21 hostages and more than 730 Palestinian prisoners have been freed, with the next exchange originally scheduled for Saturday.
Israeli officials, however, are accusing Hamas of reneging on its commitments.
“Hamas’ announcement to stop the release of Israeli hostages is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday. “I have instructed the [Israeli Defense Forces] IDF to maintain the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to fortify the defense of Israeli communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7.”
Trump Calls for Stronger Action
Trump’s comments reflect growing frustration among U.S. and Israeli leaders over the stalled releases. The former president did not mince words when reacting to the latest footage of freed Israeli hostages, describing them as appearing “like Holocaust survivors.”
“They looked like they haven’t had a meal in a month,” Trump said Sunday. “I don’t know how much longer we can take that. At some point, we’re gonna lose our patience.”
His remarks add pressure to Israeli leadership as it weighs next steps. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about the need for an all-encompassing military operation to dismantle Hamas, a sentiment echoed by Defense Minister Katz.
The Latest Hostage Release: A Glimpse Into Captivity
Over the weekend, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34; and Ohad Ben Ami, 56. Emaciated and visibly weak, they were handed over after being forced to participate in a propaganda ceremony.
In exchange, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, a controversial move that has sparked debate within the Israeli government about the long-term efficacy of the ceasefire agreement.
With Hamas now delaying further releases and Trump urging an immediate response, the next few days could be critical in determining whether the fragile truce holds—or collapses in renewed violence.
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