Trump: ‘If All the Hostages Aren’t Returned by Saturday … Let Hell Break Out’
Hamas announced Monday that it was delaying the scheduled release of Israeli hostages, initially set for Saturday, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. The move has prompted Israel to heighten military readiness and has drawn a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to end the ceasefire unless all hostages are released immediately.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida claimed that Israel had failed to uphold its commitments under the agreement, accusing it of blocking humanitarian aid and preventing displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza. “The release of the prisoners, which was scheduled for next Saturday, February 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, pending the occupation’s compliance and retroactive fulfillment of the past weeks’ obligations,” he said. The terror group has indicated that the release could still proceed if Israel fulfills its obligations.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Hamas’s announcement a “complete violation of the ceasefire agreement” and ordered the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for “any possible scenario” in Gaza. He vowed, “We will not return to the reality of October 7.”
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Trump issued a stark ultimatum, stating, “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 [the ceasefire] and all bets are off and let hell break out.” When asked what that might entail, he responded, “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out—Hamas will find out what I mean.”
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, was intended to facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. So far, five rounds of exchanges have taken place, with 21 Israeli hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners released. At least 73 hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of 34 individuals confirmed dead.
The hostage release negotiations have faced repeated tensions, with each side accusing the other of failing to uphold the agreement. Hamas has claimed that Israel is obstructing aid deliveries and restricting movement, while Israel has pointed to Hamas’s delays and refusal to provide lists of hostages to be released on time. The situation has heightened public anger in Israel, particularly after the release of three severely malnourished hostages over the weekend, sparking protests demanding urgent government action.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged mediators to intervene, warning, “Time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation.” With the agreement now in jeopardy, international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are working to prevent a complete collapse of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the war effort will continue until Hamas is eliminated, emphasizing that Israel and the US are aligned on their long-term objectives. Far-right Israeli politicians, including former National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have called for a full resumption of military operations in Gaza in light of Hamas’s announcement.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the next steps from Israel and Hamas, as well as how Washington’s stance may influence the fragile ceasefire.
