Trump to Hamas: Release all hostages or face consequences

US President Donald Trump stated that he would support lifting the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if all Israeli hostages held by Hamas are not returned by noon on Saturday (February 15), as originally agreed between Israel and the group.

"If all the hostages are not returned by 12 noon on Saturday, I will advise that the ceasefire be lifted. Let all hell break loose. But Israel will be able to disregard the regime," Trump said, just hours after Hamas announced a suspension of the hostage release, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

When asked if his statement implied retaliation, Trump responded: "You're going to find out and they're going to find out too. Hamas will know what I mean."

Trump further stated: "As far as I'm concerned ... I would say cancel it (the ceasefire), all bets are off."

Emphasizing his position on hostage releases, Trump insisted that all captives should be freed at once.

"All of them, not piecemeal, not two and one, three, four, and two," he said.

Additionally, Trump warned that he might suspend aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept refugees from Gaza. He is scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Washington today, February 11.

On February 10, Hamas declared the decision to postpone the release of a new group of hostages who were due to return home on February 15, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Abu Ubaida, a spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement on the decision.

"Over the past three weeks, we have seen constant violations of the deal's terms by the enemy. (...) Because of this, we decided to postpone the release of the captives [hostages], who were to be released on February 15, until further notice. Israel must adhere to [the norms of the agreement] and retroactively compensate for the damage they have suffered in recent weeks," Ubaida wrote on his Telegram channel.

The ceasefire regime in the Palestinian enclave went into effect on January 19. According to the terms of the agreement, the first phase will last 42 days, during which Hamas will release at least 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The second phase of the deal involves the release of the remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

By Tamilla Hasanova