Trump warns of escalation if Hamas fails to release hostages by Saturday noon

New Delhi, Feb 11: Hamas has announced a delay in the planned release of Israeli hostages, blaming what it claims are Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. According to the group, three hostages were scheduled to be freed on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

U.S. President Donald Trump meanwhile warns that if all hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, Israel should cancel the ceasefire and escalate its military response.

Trump also urged Israel to abandon the ceasefire deal if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday. "I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday, and if they’re not – all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two – all hell is going to break out," CNN quoted him as saying.

Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant condemned Hamas's move as a "complete violation of the ceasefire agreement" and ordered the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to maintain the "highest level of alert" in Gaza. "We will not allow a return to the reality of 7 October," he added.

President Trump emphasized that while Israel could make its own decisions, his position was clear. "I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it, but from myself, Saturday at 12 o’clock, and if they’re not – they’re not here, all hell is going to break out," he added as reported by the US media.

When asked by reporters if he was referring to Israeli retaliation, Trump responded, "You'll find out, and they'll find out too. Hamas will find out what I mean."

Israel has accused Hamas of failing to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, while Hamas claims Israel has hindered the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, violated humanitarian aid provisions, and engaged in aggressive actions against civilians.

Since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January, 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been freed in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement stipulates that by the end of its first phase, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners will be released, though Israel says eight of those hostages are already dead.

Hamas captured around 251 hostages and killed around 1,200 people during its attack on Israel in October 2023. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has killed at least 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The ceasefire continues to remains fragile despite ongoing negotiations and mediation of Qatar leadership with both sides accusing the other of violations that could jeopardise further exchanges.

With both sides accusing the other of violations that could jeopardize further exchanges.