President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas regarding the remaining hostages in Gaza, setting a Saturday deadline that could potentially reshape the current Middle East ceasefire. Here’s what you need to know about this developing situation:
The deadline
Mr. Trump has given Hamas until Saturday at noon to release all remaining hostages, warning that “all bets are off” if they fail to comply. Speaking during his meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Mr. Trump expressed skepticism about Hamas meeting this deadline, suggesting they’re “trying to play tough guy.”
Current hostage situation
The stakes are high, with Hamas and affiliated groups currently holding:
- 73 hostages captured during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack
- An additional three hostages who have been held since 2014
- The most recent exchange saw three hostages released on Saturday
Why Trump says Hamas won’t comply
During Tuesday’s White House meeting, Mr. Trump offered a stark assessment of why Hamas might miss the deadline. He suggested that the remaining hostages are in poor physical condition, stating that Hamas has been strategically releasing only the healthiest captives to avoid public outrage over the condition of others.
“I think the reason Hamas is playing so cute is because they probably saw the reaction to these people that came out,” Mr. Trump said, adding that they’re “sending the most healthy people out, because they don’t want to send the least healthy people out.”
Hamas’ response
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed Mr. Trump’s ultimatum, stating that “the language of threats has no value and only complicates matters.” The organization emphasized that there is an existing agreement that must be respected by both parties.
Broader context
The situation is further complicated by:
- A ceasefire that has been in effect since Jan. 19
- Recent Hamas threats to postpone scheduled releases
- Mr. Trump’s controversial proposal to transform Gaza into what he calls the “Riviera of the Middle East”
- Tensions with Jordan over potential Palestinian relocation
What could happen next
While Mr. Trump has declined to specify exactly what “all hell breaking loose” would entail, saying only “You’ll find out, and they’ll find out too,” he has emphasized that he’s speaking for himself and that Israel could override his decision. The Israeli military has reportedly been preparing for “any possible scenario” in Gaza.
Read more:
• Trump predicts Hamas won’t make hostage deadline, says ’all bets are off’ if they don’t comply
• Hamas says Trump threat to unleash ’hell’ has ’no value’
• Trump says ’hell’ going to break out if Hamas doesn’t release remaining hostages by Saturday
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