US President Donald Trump warned on Monday (Feb 10) that Hamas must release all hostages held in Gaza by midday Saturday or he would advocate for canceling the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and allowing “hell to break out.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump expressed frustration over the condition of recently freed hostages and Hamas’ announcement that it would suspend further releases. While acknowledging that Israel might override his stance, Trump made it clear that he believed immediate action was necessary.
“As far as I’m 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. Let hell break out,” Trump declared. “We want ’em all back,” he added, criticizing the phased release of hostages.
Trump also suggested that the US might withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refused to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He is scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday to discuss the issue.
His remarks follow confusion surrounding his proposal for a US-led redevelopment of Gaza after the conflict. While some officials in his administration had indicated that displaced Gazans would be relocated only temporarily, Trump contradicted them, stating that Palestinians would not have the right to return to the enclave.
In an excerpt from an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier aired Monday, Trump floated the idea of negotiating with Jordan and Egypt to take in displaced Palestinians, citing the substantial financial aid the US provides both nations annually.
Asked directly whether Palestinians could return to Gaza, Trump responded: “No, they wouldn’t because they’re going to have much better housing.” He elaborated on plans to establish a “permanent place for them,” arguing that Gaza would take years to become livable again.
Trump’s comments follow his Feb 4 announcement after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, where he proposed relocating Gaza’s 2.2 million residents and placing the enclave under US control, redeveloping it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
