WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has declared that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas should be cancelled if Hamas fails to release all remaining hostages by midday Saturday.
Speaking Monday, Trump warned, “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out,” adding that if the deadline isn’t met, “Cancel it, and all bets are off.”
While Trump acknowledged that Israel has the final say on whether to continue the ceasefire, he issued a cryptic warning, stating, “Hamas will find out what I mean.” His remarks escalate tensions at a time when hostage negotiations remain a key factor in stabilizing the region.
Trump Stands Firm on Gaza Resettlement Plan
Trump’s latest comments also reinforced his controversial Gaza development proposal, under which he envisions the U.S. taking control of the war-torn territory and transforming it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
In a Fox News interview with Bret Baier, Trump confirmed that Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan.
“No, they wouldn’t,” Trump responded when asked if displaced Palestinians could return to their homes. He added that “We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is.”
Trump framed his plan as a real estate project, saying, “Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”
His remarks contradicted previous statements by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had insisted that any relocation of Palestinians would be temporary during reconstruction efforts.
Arab Nations Reject Trump’s Plan
Trump’s proposal has been widely condemned by Arab nations, with Egypt and Jordan strongly opposing the forced displacement of Gaza’s 1.9 million residents.
Egypt announced an emergency Arab summit on February 27, warning that the U.S. plan “threatens the foundations of people in the Middle East.”
Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday, where resettlement discussions are expected.
However, Egypt and Jordan have expressed concerns about accepting large numbers of refugees, citing security risks and the long-standing goal of a two-state solution.
When asked how he plans to persuade Abdullah to accept displaced Palestinians, Trump responded, “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also. They have good hearts.” However, he also threatened to withhold U.S. foreign aid from Jordan and Egypt if they refuse, stating, “Yeah, maybe, sure why not. If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”
Hostage Release Standoff Continues
Trump also addressed ongoing hostage negotiations, expressing concern that Hamas has released only those in better health, leaving behind gravely ill or deceased hostages.
“Based on what I saw over the past two days, they’re not going to be alive for long,” he warned.
The parents of slain American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin have called on Trump’s administration to “think bigger and faster” in securing the remaining hostages.
In a video statement, they urged, “All 76 hostages out this week. End of war. Let’s get it done right now.”
Egypt and Hamas Push Back
Egypt reaffirmed its stance against any forced displacement of Palestinians, stating that the solution lies in the establishment of “an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Meanwhile, Hamas officials dismissed Trump’s remarks as “absurd.” Senior Hamas member Izzat al-Rishq criticized Trump’s approach, stating, “Dealing with the Palestinian cause with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure.”
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas
Trump’s comments come amid rising tensions after Hamas accused Israel of violating the three-week-old ceasefire. In response, Trump issued an ultimatum, declaring that if Hamas does not release all hostages by noon Saturday, Israel should “restart the war.”
With pressure mounting, Trump’s handling of the Gaza crisis continues to spark global debate, with both Arab nations and Palestinian groups firmly opposing his resettlement and reconstruction strategy.
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