Trump Demands Hostage Release, Calls for Ceasefire Cancellation \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump called for Israel to cancel the Gaza ceasefire if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday, warning that “all hell will break out” otherwise. Trump also doubled down on his controversial Gaza plan, stating that Palestinians should not have a right to return and suggesting the U.S. should “own” Gaza and develop it like a real estate project. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Arab nations, with Egypt rejecting any forced Palestinian displacement and Hamas calling Trump’s proposal “absurd”.
Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Warning: Quick Looks
- Ceasefire at Risk: Trump says Israel should cancel the ceasefire if Hamas doesn’t free all hostages by Saturday.
- Hostage Concerns: Warns many remaining captives may be gravely ill or dead.
- Gaza “Ownership” Plan: Trump suggests the U.S. should control Gaza, turning it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
- Palestinians Blocked from Returning: States Gaza’s displaced population should be relocated elsewhere.
- Arab Nations Outraged: Egypt rejects forced displacement, while Hamas calls Trump’s comments “ignorant”.
- U.S. Aid Threat: Trump threatens to withhold billions from Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees.
- Families Demand Hostage Release: Parents of slain U.S. hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin urge negotiators to speed up efforts.
Deep Look
President Donald Trump intensified his stance on the Gaza conflict, warning that Israel should cancel its fragile ceasefire with Hamas if all remaining hostages are not released by noon on Saturday. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump declared, “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out.”
While he insisted that the final decision rests with Israel, he also hinted that the U.S. would take action if Hamas failed to comply. “Hamas will find out what I mean,” he added when asked whether the U.S. would respond directly.
The comments came after Hamas halted further hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire terms. This escalation puts additional strain on the already tense negotiations, with concerns that violence could resume if an agreement isn’t reached soon.
Trump’s Gaza “Ownership” Proposal Sparks Backlash
In a separate interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Trump expanded on his vision for Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians should not have a right to return and that the U.S. should take control of the war-torn territory.
“In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent,” Trump stated.
His real estate-driven vision for Gaza contradicts the stance of other U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who previously claimed the administration was only considering temporary relocation efforts to clear debris and reconstruct infrastructure.
Trump’s remarks immediately drew condemnation from Arab nations, particularly Jordan and Egypt, which have rejected any plans to force Palestinians out of their homeland.
Egypt and Hamas Condemn Trump’s Comments
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry reiterated its firm opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians, warning that such proposals threaten the foundations of peace in the Middle East.
“The establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only path to a just peace,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Hamas slammed Trump’s comments as “absurd” and ignorant, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq saying:
“Dealing with the Palestinian cause with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure.”
Hamas also rejected any suggestion that the Palestinian people would willingly accept forced relocation, vowing to resist any transfer or deportation plans.
Trump Threatens to Withhold U.S. Aid to Jordan and Egypt
Trump’s hardline stance on Palestinian displacement includes pressuring Jordan and Egypt—two of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid—to accept Palestinian refugees.
During his press conference, Trump was asked how he would convince Jordan’s King Abdullah II to take in Palestinians. “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also,” Trump said. “They have good hearts.”
However, he also openly threatened to cut U.S. aid if these nations refuse.
“Yeah, maybe, sure why not. If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”
This statement puts further pressure on King Abdullah, who is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
Hostage Families Push for Immediate Action
The parents of slain American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin issued a direct plea to Trump’s administration over the weekend, calling for a swift resolution to the hostage crisis.
In a video statement, Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin urged Trump and his team to “think bigger and faster”, pushing for an immediate deal to free the remaining 76 hostages.
“All 76 hostages out this week,” they said. “End of war. Who benefits from dragging it out? Not the people of this region.”
Is a U.S. Military Presence in Gaza Possible?
Trump’s aggressive stance on Gaza raises questions about possible U.S. involvement in securing the territory.
While he has not ruled out deploying U.S. troops, he has simultaneously insisted that the U.S. will not pay for Gaza’s reconstruction. This contradiction leaves uncertainty about how Trump’s proposed U.S. “ownership” of Gaza would be implemented.
What Happens Next?
- Ceasefire at Risk: If Hamas fails to release all hostages by Saturday, Trump suggests Israel should restart military operations.
- Jordan and Egypt’s Response: King Abdullah’s White House meeting on Tuesday will be a key moment in U.S.-Middle East diplomacy.
- Potential Aid Cuts: If Jordan and Egypt refuse to take in Palestinian refugees, Trump may follow through on his threat to cut U.S. assistance.
- Global Reaction: The United Nations and Arab League are expected to formally respond to Trump’s comments in the coming days.
Trump’s latest remarks add further volatility to an already fragile situation, with the fate of hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, and regional stability hanging in the balance.
Trump Demands Hostage Trump Demands Hostage
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