Trump Warns of Dire Consequences if Hamas Hostages Are Not Released by Saturday
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent briefing, US President Donald Trump warned that if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages by Saturday noon, there will be severe repercussions. He emphasized the urgency and gravity of the situation, highlighting the shocking condition of previously released hostages.
Key Takeaways
- Trump warns of severe repercussions for Hamas.
- 73 hostages remain in Hamas's custody.
- 34 hostages confirmed dead by Israel.
- Recent exchanges involved 183 Palestinian prisoners.
- Egypt opposes compromises affecting Palestinian rights.
Washington, Feb 11 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump stated that "all hell will break out" if Hamas fails to liberate the remaining hostages by Saturday at 12 o'clock.
Responding to inquiries regarding potential consequences for Hamas's inaction, he remarked, "Hamas will find out what I mean." This statement came during a news briefing in the Oval Office, which has become a frequent occurrence.
Among the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, 73 are still held captive; Israel has confirmed that 34 of them are deceased. The others were released as part of a six-week ceasefire that involved exchanges for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, along with other negotiations.
The most recent group of hostages was freed by Hamas last Saturday in a swap for 183 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel described the condition of the released hostages as "shocking."
During the briefing, President Trump observed that the hostages appeared as if they "came out of the Holocaust."
He mentioned that these hostages were likely in better shape than the rest, which is why Hamas released them; the others would not "make them look very good."
Trump then set the Saturday deadline, emphasizing, "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 hostages should be returned collectively, "not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two."
However, Trump noted that he was speaking for himself, allowing Israel to potentially override this deadline: "But from myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock, and if they're not, they're not here, all hell is going to break out."
This warning followed Egypt's earlier rejection of "any compromise" that would infringe on Palestinian rights, as stated by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty after a meeting with his US counterpart in Washington.
