Trump Warns of Chaos if Hostages Not Released by Saturday
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Synopsis
In a recent briefing, President Trump warned of dire consequences if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday noon. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, indicating that failure to comply could lead to severe repercussions.
Key Takeaways
- Trump warns of chaos if hostages aren't freed.
- 73 hostages remain in Hamas's custody.
- Recent releases were in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- Trump characterized the condition of released hostages as shocking.
- Flexibility in deadlines is possible at Israel's discretion.
Washington, Feb 11 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump stated that "all hell will break out" if Hamas fails to free the remaining hostages by Saturday at 12 o'clock.
In a news briefing at the Oval Office, he remarked, "Hamas will find out what I mean," when asked about possible repercussions if the hostages weren't returned.
Since the October 7, 2023, attack, 251 hostages have been captured by Hamas militants, with 73 still held. Israel has reported 34 of them as deceased, while others have been released during a six-week ceasefire that involved exchanges for Palestinian prisoners.
The most recent group of hostages was freed last Saturday in return for 183 Palestinian detainees.
According to Israel, the condition of the released hostages was deemed "shocking".
President Trump remarked that the freed hostages appeared as if they "came out of the Holocaust", suggesting they were in better shape than the others, which prompted their release by Hamas as the others might "not make them look very good".
Trump reiterated the Saturday deadline, stating, "If all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday at 12 o'clock, all bets are off and let hell break out." He insisted that the return should be complete, not in fragments.
However, Trump allowed for some flexibility regarding the deadline, saying, "I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it. But from myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock, and if they're not, they're not here, all hell is going to break out."
Trump is scheduled to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Washington this week.
This warning came after Egypt earlier dismissed "any compromise" that would compromise Palestinians' rights, following a meeting between Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his US counterpart in Washington.
