WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has suggested that Israel may need to reconsider its ceasefire in Gaza and potentially resume military action if all remaining hostages are not released by the end of the week.
Speaking to reporters, Trump conceded that Israel might want to override him on the ultimatum and the Saturday noon deadline, adding that he might speak to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But expressed fears for the fates of those still being held captive, predicting that many would not survive if not released in the coming days.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday,” Trump said.
His comments came hours after Hamas announced that, it intended to delay the next release of Israeli hostages planned for Saturday, “until further notice,” in response to what it claimed were Israeli violations of the ongoing hostage-ceasefire deal.
