Amid ongoing tensions in Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have issued firm warnings to Hamas regarding the fate of Israeli hostages. Both leaders have outlined severe consequences should Hamas fail to release all captives, signaling a decisive stance against the terror group’s tactics.
During a press statement on Monday, President Trump declared that if Hamas does not release all hostages in Gaza by Saturday at 12:00 p.m., he would support canceling the ceasefire. Trump made it clear that he expects full compliance with the demand, stating, “If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12:00 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say cancel it and let’s be done with it and let Israel take over.”
Trump emphasized that his warning is a suggestion, leaving the final decision to Israel. His strong stance came just hours after Hamas announced a postponement in hostage releases, citing alleged Israeli violations of the agreement. The terror group accused Israel of failing to comply with ceasefire terms while continuing operations in Gaza.
In a parallel warning, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Israel should seize 5% of Gaza’s territory for every hostage harmed by Hamas. Speaking at a press event, Smotrich argued that decisive military action must accompany diplomatic efforts to secure the captives’ release.
Smotrich suggested that once the war resumes, any release negotiations must come with severe consequences. “We will cut off electricity, water, and humanitarian aid to Gaza while warning Hamas that for every hostage they harm, we will take 5% of Gaza,” he asserted.
He further underscored that Israel cannot afford to halt the war until Hamas is completely eradicated. “There is currently a debate about whether the war can be stopped. The war cannot be stopped just before the complete destruction of Hamas,” he added.
In light of Hamas’ recent moves, Israeli security officials have ramped up preparations for a potential escalation. Military sources indicate that the IDF is preparing for a possible re-entry into Gaza, aiming to restore security and dismantle Hamas strongholds across the region. The renewed operations would focus on eliminating threats from northern Gaza to the Rafah border, ensuring long-term security for Israeli citizens.
The latest developments signal a crucial turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict. With Trump backing Israel’s right to take decisive action and Smotrich calling for territorial retaliation, Hamas now faces intensified pressure. Whether the terror group will comply with the demands or risk severe consequences remains to be seen.
As the Saturday deadline approaches, global attention is fixed on Gaza, where the fate of the hostages and the trajectory of the war may be determined in the coming days.
