US President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the situation would turn into "hell" if Hamas did not release "all" of the Israeli hostages it continues to hold by Saturday noon at the latest, following the Palestinian Islamist movement's threat to indefinitely postpone the upcoming exchange of hostages and prisoners as part of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which now appears to be in danger of collapsing.
Benjamin Netanyahu's government has already ordered the Israeli armed forces to prepare for "all scenarios" after the announcement by Hamas' military wing, which accused Israel of violating the terms of the agreement, which came into effect on January 19, after 15 months of devastating war.
The Palestinian movement, however, assured that "the door remains open" for the release of hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli detention centers "as provided for in the plan", that is, next Saturday, "as soon as" Israel "fulfills its obligations".
President Trump, a major ally of Israel, called the threat that hostage releases would be postponed indefinitely "horrific."
"As far as I'm concerned, if all the hostages are not back home by noon on Saturday — I think that's a good time — I'm going to say, 'cancel'" the deal, and "let all hell break loose," he told reporters at the White House.
At the same time, he announced that he would consider ending all American aid to Egypt and Jordan if they did not accept Gazans.
The two states, which receive large amounts of American aid, like many other Arab and Western countries, reject President Trump's plan.
Source: KYPE
