Trump and Hamas clash over ceasefire and hostage release
A senior representative of Palestinian Hamas, Sami Abu Zuhri, emphasises that observing the ceasefire is the only way to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
"Donald Trump must remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both sides, and it is the only way to bring the hostages back. The language of threats holds no value and only complicates matters," Zuhri stated.
This statement was a response to Donald Trump's earlier warning to the Palestinian group that "hell will break loose" if the hostages are not released according to the ceasefire plan. Hamas had earlier announced that it had delayed the release of hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire.
Trump on the consequences
Trump stated that if all hostages were not freed by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire should be canceled, allowing full-scale retaliation. He stressed that the release must include everyone, not just select groups. When pressed by reporters on what he meant by severe consequences, he responded that both the media and Hamas would soon understand. As reported by CNN, Trump expressed skepticism about the survival of many captives held by Hamas and described the condition of released hostages as resembling victims of the Holocaust.