Trump Demands Hamas Release Hostages or Ceasefire Ends

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Hamas does not release all hostages by midday Saturday, he will call for an end to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, stating, "Let hell break out." Expressing frustration over Hamas halting hostage releases, Trump insisted they be freed en masse rather than in small groups.

Trump also hinted at pressuring Jordan and Egypt to accept Palestinian refugees, suggesting the U.S. could withhold aid if they refuse. He plans to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss the matter. His controversial proposal includes a U.S.-led redevelopment of Gaza, turning it into the "Riviera of the Middle East," while preventing displaced Palestinians from returning.

Trump’s remarks contradict earlier U.S. statements suggesting temporary relocation. He proposed relocating Gaza’s 2.2 million residents to newly built communities, calling it a "real estate development for the future." Critics, including Arab nations and the UN, condemned the idea as ethnic cleansing. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri warned such actions could "ignite the region."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported Gaza’s reconstruction, suggesting Palestinians could leave and later return. However, Egypt and Jordan strongly oppose any forced displacement, fearing regional instability.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump's stance that Palestinians may need to live elsewhere during reconstruction. The U.S. State Department has yet to clarify discrepancies in official statements.

The ceasefire remains fragile after Hamas accused Israel of violating agreements, leading to a halt in hostage releases. As tensions rise, Trump's Gaza resettlement plan faces global backlash, with Arab nations reaffirming their support for Palestinian rights.