Hamas has brushed off US President Donald Trump’s warning to release all remaining Israeli hostages by Saturday or face severe consequences, insisting there is "no place for the language of threats."
The terror group’s response comes nearly 16 months after its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, where more than 1,200 people were killed, and hundreds were taken hostage. Despite a ceasefire agreement that included hostage releases, Hamas indefinitely postponed a scheduled release, accusing Israel of violating the terms.
Trump, speaking to reporters Monday night, said that while Israel would ultimately decide its response, his position was clear: "As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday 12 o'clock – I think it's an appropriate time – I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out."
Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri criticized Trump’s statement, arguing that threats would not aid negotiations. "The language of threats has no value and further complicates matters," he said, adding that "there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties and this is the only way to return the prisoners," per the Daily Mail.
As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a cessation of hostilities. However, the group claimed recent Israeli military actions in Gaza and a lack of sufficient aid justified delaying the scheduled releases.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called the delay a "complete violation" of the agreement and warned that Israel’s military would be placed on its "highest level of readiness," according to The Washington Post.
It remains unclear how many of the 76 hostages still in Hamas’ custody are alive.
