Watan-U.S. President Donald Trump threatened late Monday night to cancel the ceasefire agreement in Gaza if Hamas does not release all Israeli hostages by next Saturday, warning that “the gates of hell will be thrown wide open.” Trump also hinted at cutting aid to Egypt and Jordan if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated that Israel must “cancel” the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza—effective since January 19—if Hamas does not release all detainees by noon on Saturday. He then escalated his threats, declaring that “the gates of hell will open if the hostages do not return from Gaza.”
The U.S. president also mentioned the possibility of withholding aid from Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinian refugees who would be relocated from Gaza.
Hamas Reaffirms Ceasefire Commitment as Israel Raises Military Alert
On Monday night, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, provided that the Israeli occupation also adheres to it. The movement, referencing an announcement by its military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that it had fulfilled all its obligations precisely and on time, while the occupation had repeatedly violated the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation army raised its state of alert and deployed military reinforcements to the Gaza front just hours after Al-Qassam Brigades announced a delay in the sixth batch of prisoner exchanges due to Israeli violations of the ceasefire, which entered its 24th day on Tuesday.
Netanyahu Vows Ceasefire Compliance as Trump Links Gaza Displacement to U.S. Aid
In response, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “Israel insists on adhering to the ceasefire agreement as written and views any violation seriously.” Additionally, Israeli Army Radio quoted Defense Minister Israel Katz as saying, “Hamas’s announcement is a complete violation of the agreement, and I have instructed the military to be on the highest level of readiness for any potential scenario in Gaza.”
Later, Netanyahu held security consultations and decided to move up a government meeting to Tuesday morning.
On Monday, Trump stated that his plan to seize and rebuild Gaza would not include the Palestinians’ right to return. Expressing optimism about striking a deal with Egypt and Jordan to accept the displacement of Gaza residents to their territories, he told Fox News in an interview: “I think I can make a deal with Jordan and Egypt.”
He explained to the host, “As you know, we give them billions and billions every year.” This marks the first time Trump has publicly linked the displacement of Gaza’s population to the aid provided to Egypt and Jordan.
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