Hamas Threatens to Delay Hostage Release, Israel on High Alert as Trump Calls to End Ceasefire

Hamas has warned that it will delay the next scheduled hostage release in Gaza, originally set for Saturday, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

In response, Israel called the potential postponement a "complete violation of the ceasefire" and placed its military on high alert, instructing forces to prepare for any developments in Gaza.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to abandon the ceasefire and "let all hell break out" if Hamas fails to release all remaining hostages by Saturday. His statement, which goes beyond the existing agreement, adds uncertainty to an already fragile truce.

Hamas Accuses Israel of Breaching the Agreement

Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, released a statement saying the hostage release would be postponed “until further notice” unless Israel retroactively fulfills its obligations under the deal.

Hamas accused Israel of multiple violations, including:

• Blocking the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza

• Attacking civilians with shelling and gunfire

• Restricting humanitarian aid, including tents, fuel, and medical supplies

A diplomat involved in ceasefire negotiations told CNN that international mediators, including the UN and Qatar, had requested to send temporary shelters to Gaza, but Israel allegedly denied the request. Israeli officials have not yet responded to these claims.

Israel Places Military on High Alert

Following Hamas’ announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to increase its readiness for potential escalation in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that combat soldiers’ leave has been postponed and reinforcements have been deployed to southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting, moving up a previously scheduled political-security cabinet discussion in response to the developments.

Trump Pushes for End to Ceasefire

During a press conference at the White House, Trump issued an ultimatum, saying, “If all the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at noon, cancel the ceasefire and all bets are off—let all hell break out.”

When pressed on what he meant by "all hell breaking out," Trump responded vaguely: “You’ll find out, and Hamas will find out.”

Trump also cast doubt on the fate of the hostages, stating, "I think a lot of them are dead."

Trump’s Controversial Gaza Proposals

Trump’s remarks are the latest in a series of controversial statements on Gaza. He has previously suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal widely condemned as a violation of international law.

Experts warn that forced displacement would be illegal and destabilizing. Khaled Elgindy, a Middle East affairs expert at Georgetown University, emphasized:

“There is no legitimate form of ethnic cleansing. It doesn’t matter if the proposal comes from the President of the United States.”

Arab nations, including Jordan and Egypt, have rejected Trump’s proposal, warning it would have severe consequences for the region.