'Release hostages or hell will break loose': Donald Trump's ultimatum to Hamas
PTC News Desk: Donald Trump has explicitly warned Hamas on Monday to release all the hostages by Saturday noon otherwise he would propose ending the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and "let hell break out".
The warning follows Iran backed militant group's announcement which stated that it would not release hostages until further notice. Hamas has accused Israel of flouting ceasefire agreement raising concerns over resumption of fighting.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said, “As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 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."
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It is Israel's decision but...
President Donald Trump said if Hamas does not return all hostages by 12 noon on Saturday, he will call for the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to be canceled and "let all hell break out."
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“I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday. And if they’re not returned, all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two, by Saturday at 12 o’clock. And after that, I would say, all hell is going to break out,” he further added.
Donald Trump also pointed out that he might withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Hamas is expected to release more hostages on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This arrangement had been in place for the past three weeks.
- With inputs from agencies
