Trump explains conditions for canceling ceasefire agreement with Hamas
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be canceled if Hamas does not release all hostages by noon on Saturday. He added that the decision would also depend on Israel, reports the Associated Press
"If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out," said Trump.
This was the US President's response to Hamas' statement that the group would delay the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip after militants accused Israel of violating the three-week ceasefire.
Trump emphasized that after the release of three exhausted hostages on February 8, it was time for Israel to demand the release of all hostages by noon on Saturday, or else the war would resume.
He also stated that the final decision would be up to Israel, but when asked whether the US would join in responding to the militants if the hostages were not released, Trump added: "Hamas will find out what I mean."
Hostage release and Hamas' position
The Hamas group wants to delay the release of hostages, which was scheduled for February 15, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. Israel considers this a breach of the truce.
According to Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Hudhaifa Kahlout, Israel is allegedly delaying the return of displaced residents of the Gaza Strip, opening fire on them, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
