A senior Hamas official stated Tuesday that Israeli hostages in Gaza can only be freed if the current ceasefire holds, rejecting threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned he would “let hell break out” if captives were not released.
While Hamas has released some hostages, it has halted further releases, accusing Israel of ceasefire violations, including deadly shootings and delays in aid deliveries. Israel denies obstructing aid and says it has fired on individuals approaching military positions despite warnings.
Trump, a strong ally of Israel, demanded that Hamas release all remaining hostages by midday Saturday or face the possible collapse of the ceasefire, which took effect on January 19.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations until all hostages—both living and deceased—are returned. His statement came as the Israeli military confirmed the death of Shlomo Mansour, one of the hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack.
Among those still held in Gaza is Alon Ohel, an Israeli captive for nearly 500 days. He recently sent a message from his underground captivity, wishing his sister a happy birthday through freed hostages. His mother, Idit Ohel, described his dire conditions, saying he has been confined in tunnels without sunlight, surviving on minimal food.
Trump’s Gaza Plan Sparks Outrage
Trump’s remarks have reignited tensions across the region. He has proposed that the U.S. take control of Gaza and relocate its over 2 million residents, envisioning the enclave as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan, which discards the long-standing U.S. policy supporting a two-state solution, has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian leaders and Arab states.
“Hamas and Israel must abide by the ceasefire agreement. The language of threats only complicates matters,” senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
Trump is set to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday, amid rising tensions over his Gaza proposal. Reports indicate Trump may threaten to cut aid to Jordan if it refuses to take in Palestinian refugees. Jordan fears a mass displacement akin to the 1948 “Nakba,” when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during Israel’s creation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for tougher measures against Hamas, including cutting off electricity, water, and aid to Gaza.
UN Chief Warns of Catastrophe
The United Nations has warned that a renewed conflict would have catastrophic consequences.
“I appeal to Hamas to proceed with the planned liberation of hostages. Both sides must fully abide by the ceasefire agreement and resume serious negotiations,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres posted on X.
The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support, has temporarily paused hostilities in a war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with severe shortages of food, water, and shelter.
The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 250 hostages taken to Gaza. While discussions over a two-state solution have largely stalled since 2014, Trump’s approach has introduced new uncertainties, adding to fears of an even deeper regional crisis.
