Trump Warns Hamas: Release Hostages or 'Let Hell Break Out'

US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza by midday Saturday or risk the collapse of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the militant group.

“If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I’d say, cancel it and all bets are off—let hell break out,” Trump told reporters from the Oval Office on Monday.

The US president expressed frustration over Hamas releasing hostages in small batches rather than all at once. “We want ‘em all back,” he added.

US Plans for Gaza Control Spark Global Outrage

Trump’s remarks come amid growing controversy over his proposal for a US takeover of Gaza, following his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. He has suggested resettling Gaza’s 2.2 million Palestinians in neighboring countries while transforming the enclave into a luxury “Riviera of the Middle East.”

The idea has drawn sharp criticism from Arab states, human rights groups, and the United Nations, with many calling it an ethnic cleansing proposal.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri slammed Trump’s plan, calling it “irresponsible” and warning that it could “ignite the region.”

Arab States Reject Palestinian Relocation

Jordan and Egypt—two key regional players—have firmly rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterating that Arab nations stand with the Palestinian people and oppose any efforts to push them out of Gaza.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu attempted to clarify Trump’s comments, stating that displaced Gazans would be allowed to return after reconstruction. However, Trump contradicted this, insisting that Palestinians would have “better housing” elsewhere and that Gaza would take years to become habitable again.

Ceasefire on the Brink of Collapse

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is now at risk of falling apart after Hamas halted hostage releases on Monday, accusing Israel of violating the agreement.

A Hamas official said that Israeli hostages can be brought home from Gaza only if a fragile ceasefire is respected, dismissing Trump's "language of threats."

As tensions rise, Trump’s bold declarations and proposed policies have only added to the uncertainty, leaving the international community questioning what comes next in the volatile Israel-Gaza conflict.

Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!