US President Donald Trump says the Gaza ceasefire deal should be cancelled if all the Israeli captives are not released by 12 o’clock on Saturday15.
His statement came after Hamas suspended the next release of captives held in Gaza indefinitely, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire deal, including by continuing to kill Palestinians and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The moves spark protests in Tel Aviv, while the Israeli military says it has cancelled leave for its troops and is increasing its forces around the Gaza Strip.
Trump said at the White House in Washington that if the captives are not released, “all hell is going to break out.”
Trump stressed that the decision lies with Israel.
“I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it,’’ he said.
Trump did not specify what consequences Hamas might have to fear from the U.S., just saying, they’ll find out what I mean when asked to expand on his comments.
Trump went on to say that he did not expect for Hamas to comply with his demand.
“I don’t think, they’re going to comply. I think a lot of the hostages are dead. I think it’s a great, it’s a great human tragedy.’’
On the ground in Gaza, harsh weather conditions are adding to the misery of displaced Palestinians who are sheltering in makeshift tents as most of their homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed a confirmed 48,208 people and wounded 111,655, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Gaza’s Government Media Office has updated the death toll to at least 61,709 people, saying thousands who were missing under the rubble are now presumed dead.
At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023 attacks and more than 200 were taken captive.
