Will the war in Gaza restart? Trump's message on Gaza: 'If Hamas does not release all hostages by 12:00...'
Setting a deadline for Hamas to release the hostages in its custody by 12:00 today (February 15), Trump implied that Israel could resume its attacks if the hostages are not released. Trump added that if Hamas does not release all of the hostages, he could 'take a very different stance.'
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US President Donald Trump stated that he ''does not know what will happen to Gaza'' if Hamas does not release the Israeli hostages by 12:00. Speaking at the White House, Trump implied that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could target Gaza again, emphasizing that the US could 'take a much tougher stance' if all hostages are not released.
Claiming that Hamas is mistreating the female hostages it holds and that the released hostages looked in poor condition, Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement could end because not all hostages have been released. While reporting that Israel's 'patience is running out,' Trump expressed that he 'does not know what will happen' if Israeli hostages remain in Hamas's hands after noon today.
Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages today in the 6th round of the prisoner exchange
When asked what he expects regarding the release of hostages in Gaza, Trump replied, 'I don't know what will happen at 12:00. If it were up to me, I would take a very tough stance. I cannot say what Israel will do.'
Accusing Hamas of not keeping its word, Trump made the following statement:
'I would take a different stance, but it depends on the situation. But now I understand that they have completely changed. Hamas has completely changed. Now you want to release the hostages again, but you must see that this started with them saying we will not release the hostages.'
Underlining that he has given Hamas until 12:00 on Saturday to release the hostages, Trump stated that all hostages in Hamas's hands must be released.
369 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released in exchange for 3 Israeli hostages in the 6th round of the prisoner exchange
HAMAS WITHDREW FROM THE CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced that the prisoner exchange expected to take place on February 15 had been suspended due to ''Israel's failure to fulfill its commitments in the ceasefire agreement.'' In the statement made by Hamas, it was said that the decision to suspend was announced 5 days before the prisoner exchange, thus giving mediator countries the opportunity to exert the pressure necessary to ensure Israel adheres to the ceasefire terms.
Trump, on the other hand, said that if all hostages in Gaza are not released by Saturday noon, the ceasefire should be canceled, adding, 'Then let all hell break loose.'
Netanyahu threatened that if the Israeli hostages are not released, 'the ceasefire will end and they will begin violent attacks,' and ordered the army to send reinforcements into and around Gaza. On February 13, Hamas announced that it would continue to implement the prisoner exchange within the scope of the agreement, following the commitment of mediator countries to remove Israel's obstacles regarding the ceasefire agreement.
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades Spokesperson Abu Obeida