Trump Expresses Growing Frustration Over Ceasefire Deal, Criticizing Condition of Released Hostages

President Donald Trump voiced increasing frustration with the ongoing ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after seeing disturbing footage of three Israeli hostages released by Hamas over the weekend. The hostages, who appeared in shockingly poor condition, were described by Trump as looking "like Holocaust survivors," noting their emaciated and frail appearances. The images, which sparked public outrage, were of hostages Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi, who were released on Saturday morning after being held in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday en route to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, Trump expressed concern over the ongoing situation. "I don't know how much longer we can take that... at some point we're going to lose our patience," he said, referring to the condition of the hostages and the pace of their release under the ceasefire deal. His comments highlighted fresh uncertainty over the deal's future, with 76 hostages still held in Gaza.

The images of the frail hostages garnered widespread condemnation, with the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) vowing to address the situation. "The shocking images that we have seen today will not go unaddressed," a statement from the PMO read. President Isaac Herzog condemned the treatment of the hostages, calling it "a crime against humanity."

In response to the hostages' condition, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, expressed grave concern over Hamas’ "repeated violations" of the ceasefire agreement and the worsening condition of the hostages. His statement reinforced the commitment to hold Hamas accountable.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also weighed in, criticizing the international community's focus on Gaza's humanitarian situation while drawing attention to the plight of the Israeli hostages. Sa'ar rejected accusations of "starvation" in Gaza, instead highlighting the stark contrast between the treatment of Palestinians and the suffering of the Israeli hostages, stating that the released individuals were the only ones visibly suffering from starvation.