Trump orders Hamas to release remaining hostages Saturday or face dire consequences
U.S. President Donald Trump has given Palestinian militant organisation Hamas an ultimatum to release remaining hostages being held in Gaza or face harsh consequences.
Mr Trump spoke out in favour of terminating the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which went into effect on January 19, for an initial six weeks, if all remaining hostages are not released by “Saturday at 12 o’clock.’’
The U.S. president did not specify which time zone he was referring to.
If that did not happen, “all hell is going to break out,’’ Mr Trump said at the White House in Washington.
Mr Trump stressed that the decision lies with Israel.
“I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it,’’ he said.
Mr Trump did not specify what consequences Hamas might have to fear from the U.S., just saying “they’ll find out what I mean” when asked to expand on his comments.
Mr Trump went on to say that he did not expect Hamas to comply with his demand.
“I don’t think they’re going to comply. I think a lot of the hostages are dead. I think it’s a great human tragedy,’’ Mr Trump said.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida said on Monday that the group was indefinitely postponing the release of the next set of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.
Mr Obeida said Israel had failed to abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Three more hostages had been scheduled to be freed on Saturday in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal.
Hamas said this would only be possible if Israel adhered to the agreement again.
Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations that it was violating the agreement. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer in particular denied that Israel had blocked aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip.
The halt to the hostage releases has put the already fragile ceasefire in the territory in jeopardy.
Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, put the army still stationed in the Gaza Strip on high alert.
Hamas has so far freed 16 of a total of 33 Israeli hostages in five rounds under the first phase of the ongoing ceasefire.
It had also released five Thai nationals who were not included in the agreement.
In return, Israel has released 583 Palestinian prisoners, out of a planned 1,904.
(dpa/NAN)
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