President Donald Trump warned on Monday that “all bets are off” if Hamas doesn’t release all of the remaining hostages held in Gaza by Saturday at noon.
“It’s Israel’s decision,“ Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday, “but as far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12:00, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say cancel it—let hell break out.”
Regarding the amount of hostages, the president clarified, “All of them, not in dribs and drabs. Not two and one, three and four, and two.”
He also condemned how Hamas starved the hostages, particularly the three Israeli men who were released on Saturday as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement.
“It looked like something out of the 1930s,“ Trump noted. “It’s an absolute disgrace. And I think they saw the way the world viewed it. They’re looking for a reason not to send more.”
The president warned that there will be consequences if the deadline for this Saturday is not met.
“You’ll find out, and they’ll find out, too,“ he cautioned. “Hamas will find out what I mean. These are sick people, and they’ll find out what I mean. Saturday at 12.”
Hamas, however, announced earlier on Monday that no more hostages held since October 7, 2023, would be released. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed Israel allegedly violated the agreement.
Hamas explained in a statement that Israel had been delaying the return of displaced people in northern Gaza, targeting civilians with shelling and gunfire, and failing to deliver agreed-upon relief supplies.
Family members of the hostages expressed concerns regarding the delays.
“I really hope this is just power games and that negotiations will help resolve the problem. I hope we will see more hostages released this coming Saturday,“ Yair Moses, the son of a released hostage, said.
Dr. Hagai Levine, who is part of the Hostages Families Forum Health Team, cautioned, “The hostages are in clear and present danger. Their lives are at risk. We saw the images of those who were released. Those still in captivity may be in even worse conditions. They simply don’t have time.“
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expecting to hold a Security Cabinet meeting to determine its next course of action. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Ministry has directed the military to prepare “any possible scenario in the Gaza Strip“ after Hamas‘ refused to release more hostages.
Defense Minister Israel Katz denounced Hamas’ decision as a “complete violation of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal,“ and he ordered the IDF to be at the “highest level of readiness.”
WATCH: Trump Issues Direct Threat to Hamas, Release Hostages by 12 PM Sat or Face ‘Hell’
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Bill Pugliano/Stringer
Originally published February 11, 2025.
