US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a warning to Hamas and said that if it were up to him, the ceasefire and hostage deal should be cancelled if Hamas does not release all the hostages.
“As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday at 12:00 o'clock, I think it's an appropriate time, I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” stated Trump.
“I'd say they ought to be returned by 12:00 o'clock on Saturday. And if they're not returned, all of them, not in drips and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two, Saturday at 12:00 o'clock. And after that, I would say all hell is going to break out,” he added.
Trump also acknowledged that such a decision would be up to Israel, saying, “I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”
Trump's statement came hours after the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, Abu Obaida, announced that the terrorist organization would postpone the next release of hostages, claiming that Israel violated the terms of the agreement.
"Over the last three weeks, the leadership of the resistance has monitored the enemy's violations and non-compliance with the terms of the agreement. From delaying the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza Strip, and attacking them by shelling and shooting in various areas of the Strip, to not bringing aid equipment in all its forms as agreed, while the resistance has fulfilled all its commitments," claimed the spokesperson of the deadly terror organization.
Subsequently, Hamas published another statement in which it said that "the postponement in releasing the prisoners is a warning message to Israel and meant to exert pressure for strict adherence to the terms of the agreement. Hamas intentionally published this statement five full days before the release, in order to give the mediators sufficient opportunity to pressure Israel to fulfill its commitments, and to leave the door open for the exchange to be realized on time."
Following the Hamas announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with defense officials and moved up the Cabinet meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday evening, to the morning hours.
Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Hamas' announcement and said that it was a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal for the release of the hostages.
“I have ordered the IDF to prepare at the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and for the defense of the communities near Gaza. We will not allow a return to the reality of the 7th of October," said Katz.