Trump’s Warning: Ceasefire Deal at Risk Over Hostage Situation

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum regarding the ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, demanding that all hostages held by Hamas be returned by Saturday at noon. In a statement made on Monday, Trump made it clear that if the hostages are not released by then, he would push for the cancellation of the ceasefire, leaving the situation open to further escalation.

“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; Israel can override it,” Trump said, noting that the final decision on the ceasefire rests with Israel. He further emphasized that the hostages must be released in their entirety and not in small increments. “All of them, not in drips and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two,” Trump insisted.

Trump’s comments came in the wake of a critical announcement from Hamas. The militant group declared on its Telegram account that it had canceled the release of hostages scheduled for February 15, citing an alleged violation of the ceasefire by Israel. Hamas described the delay as a “warning” to Israel and the mediating countries, calling for strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with top security officials to address the crisis. The Israeli security cabinet is set to meet further on Tuesday to assess the situation.

Trump also addressed the broader issue of Palestinian relocation, stating that he may withhold aid to countries such as Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees who would be relocated from Gaza as part of his plan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already met with Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, where the Egyptian government expressed concerns over the potential mass movement of Palestinians across its border. Egypt, along with many other Arab nations, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s plan.

Trump is expected to meet Jordan's King Abdullah II later this week, with discussions likely to focus on the potential relocation of Palestinian refugees and the broader geopolitical consequences.