President Trump demands immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, threatening to end the ceasefire if demands aren't met. He also announces a controversial plan for U.S. ownership of Gaza, excluding the right of return for Palestinians and facing backlash from Arab nations.
President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum on Monday regarding the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas , demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages held captive in Gaza by the Saturday midday deadline. Trump 's statement came in response to Hamas 's announcement delaying the further release of hostages, citing alleged violations of the three-week-old ceasefire by Israel . The U.S.
President, while acknowledging the recent release of three visibly emaciated hostages, emphasized the urgency for Israel to press for the complete repatriation of all hostages by Saturday's deadline, threatening a resumption of hostilities if demands aren't met. 'If they're not here, all hell is going to break out,' Trump asserted, adding, 'Cancel it, and all bets are off,' referring to the ceasefire agreement. Despite his strong stance, Trump clarified that the ultimate decision rested with Israel, stating, 'I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it.' However, he subtly hinted at potential U.S. involvement in any response to Hamas's defiance, adding, 'Hamas will find out what I mean.' Trump's pronouncements on the hostage situation overshadowed a controversial announcement regarding his vision for the war-torn Gaza Strip. In an interview with Fox News Channel, Trump contradicted previous statements from his administration regarding the temporary relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. He unequivocally stated that Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan for U.S. 'ownership' of the territory. This plan, which Trump previously unveiled as a vision to transform Gaza into 'the Riviera of the Middle East,' has been met with widespread criticism from Arab nations.Trump's insistence on the U.S. taking control of Gaza has raised concerns about jeopardizing long-held goals for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore, his pressure on Arab states, particularly Jordan and Egypt, to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza has been met with security concerns and reservations. Trump threatened to withhold billions of dollars in U.S. assistance from Jordan and Egypt if they fail to comply with his plan, escalating the tension surrounding the already fragile ceasefire. His comments risked further destabilizing the region, particularly given the existing framework for negotiations that calls for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Gaza's civilians.
Trump Hamas Israel Gaza Ceasefire Hostages Middle East International Relations US Foreign Policy
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire under strain as Trump proposes emptying Gaza of PalestiniansHamas on Sunday rejected the U.S. President’s proposal, and called on Egypt and Jordan to fight any attempts of deporting or displacing Gazans from their land
Read more »
Hamas official says Trump’s remarks about taking over Gaza could ignite the regionHamas official says Trump’s remarks about taking over Gaza are ‘ridiculous and absurd’
Read more »
John Bolton Names His 2 Issues With Trump's 'Utterly Unrealistic' Gaza ProposalBen Blanchet is a reporter based in New York City. His work has been featured in the New York Post, Insider and The Buffalo News' Sun newspapers. He was born and educated in Upstate New York.
Read more »
Gaza Death Toll in Israel-Hamas Conflict 'Severely Underreported' - New StudyA new study published in The Lancet estimates that Gaza's death toll in Israel's ongoing military offensive is 41% higher than official figures, highlighting the challenges in accurately counting casualties due to the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure.
Read more »
Hamas, Israel get final draft of Gaza truce deal after 'breakthrough' in talks, says officialA Palestinian boy searches for belongings inside a school sheltering displaced people after it was hit by an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City January 13, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
Read more »
Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Deal in Gaza, Dozens of Hostages to Be ReleasedA draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has been accepted by Hamas, with the release of dozens of hostages expected. The deal, brokered by Qatar, is the closest yet to ending the 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. The agreement, which requires final approval from the Israeli Cabinet, would see a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas, a surge in humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. While details remain to be finalized, the agreement offers hope for a lasting peace and relief for the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Read more »