Donald Trump News / 'Hostages should be released by Saturday, otherwise everything will be ruined' - Trump

Donald Trump News: The decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict in the Middle East is once again at the center of world politics. This time, former US President Donald Trump has made a frank statement in this dispute. Trump said that if Hamas does not release all the remaining hostages held in Gaza by Saturday afternoon, then Israel should cancel the existing ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Trump's stern warning: "Otherwise everything will be ruined"

While talking to reporters while signing the executive orders, Trump clearly said that if Hamas does not release the hostages by the deadline, it could have serious consequences. He also feared that if the issue is not resolved, many innocent people may be killed. However, he also added that this decision depends entirely on Israel.

Hamas's counterattack: There will be a delay in the release of hostages

Just after Trump's statement, Hamas indicated a new strategy to adopt. The spokesperson of the organization said that they would delay the release of the hostages after accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. According to Hamas, Israel is breaking the terms of the ceasefire, which has affected their commitment.

It is worth noting that Israel and Hamas are currently in the middle of a six-week ceasefire, in which prisoners and hostages are being exchanged between the two sides. Israel retaliated after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, due to which this agreement was made.

How many hostages have been released so far?

The two sides have exchanged hostages and prisoners five times so far since the ceasefire came into effect. According to reports:

So far 21 Israeli hostages have been released.

More than 730 Palestinian prisoners have been released in exchange.

The next hostage exchange was scheduled for Saturday, in which hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were to be released in exchange for three Israeli hostages.

Chances of escalation of tension?

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday accused Israel of systematically violating the ceasefire agreement. He said this would delay the release of hostages proposed on Saturday.

This situation could undermine the ceasefire and the Israel-Hamas conflict could flare up again. If Israel follows Trump's advice and decides to end the agreement, it could lead to another major war in the Middle East.

Is Trump's statement a political strategy?

Donald Trump's statement comes at a time when preparations are underway for the 2024 presidential election in the US. Trump is once again in the presidential race, and his rhetoric about foreign policy may be part of wooing his supporters.

Experts believe that Trump's statement may have been made primarily to influence American politics. However, it may also have a direct impact on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Conclusion: Will the ceasefire end?

Given the current circumstances, it is difficult to say whether the Israel-Hamas ceasefire will continue or not. It is clear from Trump's statement that some political factions of America are advising Israel to take a tough stand.

Now it remains to be seen how the Israeli government takes this warning and what steps Hamas takes regarding the release of the hostages. If the talks are not successful, the Middle East may once again move towards a major conflict.