Trump Calls for Ceasefire Cancellation If Hamas Fails to Release Hostages
Key Highlights:
- Trump’s Demand: Former President Donald Trump stated that Israel should cancel the ceasefire with Hamas if all hostages are not released by Saturday at noon.
- Hamas Delay: Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, delaying further hostage releases.
- U.S. Position: Trump claimed he was speaking personally but hinted at potential U.S. involvement if Hamas does not comply.
- Gaza Controversy: Trump reiterated his stance that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza, contradicting his administration’s earlier statements.
- Arab Nations’ Response: Egypt and Jordan have opposed Trump’s relocation proposal, with Egypt reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
- Hostage Concerns: Trump expressed fear that many remaining hostages may be critically ill or already deceased.
Trump Urges Israel to Act if Hostages Aren’t Freed
Former President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Israel should cancel the ceasefire with Hamas if all remaining hostages are not released by Saturday at noon. Speaking to reporters, Trump warned, “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out.” However, he also acknowledged that the final decision rests with Israel, stating, “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”
His comments came after Hamas accused Israel of violating the three-week-old ceasefire, leading to a delay in hostage releases. Over the weekend, three visibly emaciated hostages were freed, fueling concerns about the health of those still in captivity.
Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan
In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump reaffirmed his position on Gaza, stating that Palestinians would not have the right to return under his proposed U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn region. This contradicts earlier remarks from his administration, which suggested temporary relocation instead of permanent displacement.
Under Trump’s vision, Gaza would become “the Riviera of the Middle East”, a real estate investment opportunity. He suggested relocating Palestinians to “safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is.”
Backlash from Arab Nations
Egypt and Jordan have strongly opposed Trump’s relocation proposal. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting any forced transfer of Palestinians and reaffirming the need for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Tuesday. When asked how he would convince Abdullah to accept Palestinians, Trump replied, “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also. They have good hearts.”
However, he also threatened to withhold U.S. aid from countries that refuse to cooperate. When pressed on whether he would cut financial support, Trump responded, “Yeah, maybe, sure why not. If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”
Hostage Families Demand Action
Families of hostages have urged Trump and his team to push for a complete release of all captives this week. Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was killed in captivity, released a video message calling for urgency:
“All 76 hostages out this week. End of war. Who benefits from dragging it out for so long? Not the people of this region. Let’s get it done right now.”
Trump expressed doubt over the survival of many remaining hostages, saying, “Based on what I saw over the past two days, they’re not going to be alive for long.”
Hamas and Global Reaction
A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, dismissed Trump’s comments as “absurd”, accusing him of viewing the Palestinian issue as a real estate deal. He insisted that all forced relocation plans “will fail.”
Meanwhile, global concerns are rising over the fragile ceasefire, with many warning that Trump’s statements could further destabilize the region.
What’s Next?
- Saturday Deadline: If Hamas does not release all hostages, Trump has called for canceling the ceasefire.
- Diplomatic Talks: Jordan’s King Abdullah II will discuss Palestinian displacement concerns with Trump at the White House.
- Regional Tensions: Arab nations continue to oppose forced relocation, emphasizing the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the coming days could determine whether peace talks progress or conflict escalates.
