Trump says Gaza ceasefire should be cancelled unless all Israeli hostages freed
US President Donald Trump has warned that if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages from Gaza by Saturday midday, Israel should end the ceasefire and take military action. This comes after Hamas announced it is delaying the release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. Israel has responded by calling this a breach of the agreement and is preparing its military for any scenario. The ceasefire, which began last month, is under increasing pressure after initial successes.
Currently, 17 Israeli hostages are expected to be released, but eight are confirmed dead. Israel has also freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Ahead of a meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, Trump has suggested he might withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinian refugees relocated from Gaza.
How many Israeli hostages remain in Gaza?
On October 7, 2023, Hamas took 251 hostages and killed approximately 1,200 people during an attack on Israel. As of now, 73 hostages, along with three others captured a decade ago, are still being held in Gaza.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages have been released in exchange for 566 prisoners. By the end of the first stage of the ceasefire in three weeks, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be freed, though Israel reports that eight of the 33 hostages are already dead.
The release of the remaining hostages is planned for the second stage of negotiations, which are still ongoing.
Israeli hostage, 86, reported dead
Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has expressed condolences to the family of Shlomo Mansour, whose death was announced this morning. Mansour, 86, who was born in Iraq, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Kissufim, where he had worked as a chicken coop manager.
He was on the Israeli government's list of 33 hostages scheduled for release in the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
In a post on X, Katz emphasized that Israel will "continue to work in every way to return all the abductees, living and dead," calling it the nation's "moral duty and highest goal." He also noted that Mansour was a founding member of Kibbutz Kissufim.
Price tag for stopping ceasefire deal will be high, hostage's brother says
Gili Roman, the brother of one of the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, expressed to the BBC his deep concern over Hamas’s threat to suspend this weekend’s planned release, calling it "a major risk" and saying they are "extremely anxious" about it.
His sister, Yarden, was released after 54 days in captivity. Roman further stated, "Hamas needs to understand that there will be a higher cost to ending the deal. They need to realize they can benefit from the deal being kept, and the price for stopping it will be extremely high."
Threats have no value in ceasefire - Hamas official
A senior Hamas spokesperson, Sami Abu Zuhri, has stated that President Trump "must remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties" if he wants the Israeli hostages returned. Speaking to Reuters, Abu Zuhri emphasized that "the language of threats has no value and only complicates matters."
This follows Trump's comments on Monday, where he warned that "hell will break out" if all remaining Israeli hostages are not released by this weekend.
As of now, 16 Israeli hostages have been released, with 17 still expected to be handed over. Of those 17, Israel reports that eight are already dead.
Jordan won't be trampled on, former deputy PM says
Ahead of a "very crucial" meeting between US President Donald Trump and Jordan's King Abdullah later today, Jordan's former deputy Prime Minister, Jawad al-Anani, shared his concerns. This comes as Trump suggests he may withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they don't cooperate with his plan to take control of Gaza and resettle its population in both countries.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, al-Anani called Trump's proposal to take over Gaza "not implementable," warning it would cause "a lot of human pain" and overlook the fundamental rights of Palestinians.
Al-Anani also stated that Trump believes he can "manipulate" Jordan, but emphasized that Jordan has "a very good record of human rights," which will not be compromised. He acknowledged, however, that aid is important, as Jordan is already overcrowded, lacks water, and struggles to accommodate refugees.
On the issue of the Palestinians, al-Anani noted they are "yearning" to rebuild their land, and this should be allowed. Regarding the ceasefire, he warned that "every time you don't produce a fair solution to the Palestinian issue... another war is brewing."
For context, Trump has proposed relocating Gaza's population to neighboring countries, including Jordan, claiming he can "make a deal." However, Jordan's leaders have rejected this plan, as well as a previous request to accept Gazan refugees.
After a mostly positive start, the Gaza ceasefire is under increasing strain
Hamas has stated that the "door remains open" for the scheduled hostages' releases to proceed on Saturday, signaling a potential resolution to the current impasse.
The group has voiced several grievances, including delays in the return of displaced people, ongoing attacks against them, and the failure to allow specific humanitarian aid into Gaza. Other Palestinian officials, not affiliated with Hamas, have pointed to Israel's reluctance to permit the entry of caravans to house the many Palestinians whose homes have been destroyed.
Amid discussions by the Israeli government on encouraging civilians to leave Gaza, the lack of permits for much-needed temporary housing is fueling fears among Palestinians of potential expulsion.
Israel, meanwhile, is suspicious of Hamas' reasons behind the threatened delay. The recent release of emaciated hostages has raised concerns that Hamas may not want the world to see others in even worse conditions.
While it's too soon to say whether this fragile, staged process will collapse as some have predicted, the ceasefire, which started positively, is now under increasing strain.
On Monday, Hamas announced a delay in the next scheduled release of hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement.
Three additional hostages were expected to be released this weekend in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, following the routine process established since the ceasefire began on January 19.
Israel responded swiftly, with Defence Minister Israel Katz calling the delay a "complete violation" of the ceasefire deal and ordering the military to be prepared for "any possible scenario in Gaza."
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered, demanding the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. The UN also expressed concern, stating that "any delays" would be an "issue."
All hell is going to break out if hostages not released, Trump says
Following the delay in hostage releases, US President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israel, stated that the ceasefire should be canceled if "all" hostages held in Gaza are not returned by Saturday.
He emphasized that he wants "all of them, not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two," and clarified, "I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it."
If the hostages are not fully released, Trump warned, "all hell is going to break out," adding that "Hamas will find out what I mean."
A critical moment for the Gaza ceasefire
The Gaza ceasefire is at a critical juncture.
Hamas has warned it will delay the scheduled release of three hostages this Saturday unless mediators address its grievances with Israel. These include delays in allowing shelters for displaced Gazans.
In addition to these tensions, the context for talks on ending the war has shifted, following President Trump’s controversial plan to relocate some two million Gaza residents ahead of a potential US takeover.
The latest threat from Hamas prompted Trump to suggest canceling the ceasefire agreement, saying, “As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday 12 o'clock—I think it's an appropriate time—I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out, if they are not returned, all of them, not dribs and drabs, not two, and one and three and four and two.”
Trump added that the decision ultimately lies with Israel, and in response, the Israeli military has heightened its readiness and canceled leave for combat soldiers in preparation for the possibility of renewed fighting in Gaza.
For Palestinians, the situation is deeply unsettling, and the families of Israeli hostages, who protested in Tel Aviv last night, are increasingly anguished.
Trump weighs in on Hamas's suspension of hostage releases
The Gaza ceasefire is facing increasing pressure this morning, with US President Donald Trump stating that if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by midday on Saturday, Israel should cancel the ceasefire and "let hell break out."
Yesterday, Hamas announced it would delay the release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. Israel quickly responded, calling the move a "complete violation" of the deal.
Today, President Trump is set to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah, marking their first in-person meeting since Trump proposed a US "takeover" of Gaza. Trump has suggested relocating Gaza's population to redevelop the area, which has been ravaged by 16 months of conflict.
Stay with us for the latest updates as our team of reporters and correspondents cover the developing situation.
Hamas suspends hostage releases, but it's not yet clear what this means for ceasefire
The future of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains uncertain this evening, following Hamas's announcement that it would suspend the release of hostages.
Hamas accused Israel of "delaying the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza, targeting them with shelling and gunfire, and failing to allow the entry of humanitarian aid," and demanded assurances from Israel that it would adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
In response, Israel labeled Hamas's actions as a "complete violation" of the ceasefire and stated that it had instructed the military to be on "the highest level of alert" to protect Israeli communities and prepare for any possible scenario in Gaza.
The next scheduled exchange of hostages and prisoners was set for Saturday, but Hamas said the "door remains open" for the exchange to happen.
BBC diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams notes that Hamas's decision to announce the delay five days ahead of schedule may be an effort to allow time for the impasse to be resolved. He questions whether this is a genuine complaint about Israel not fulfilling its commitments or if there is a larger issue at play.
For now, our live coverage of the Middle East is paused, but we’ll return with updates if major developments occur. In the meantime, you can explore more news across the BBC News website.
- News story: Hamas says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel
- Explainer: What we know about the Gaza ceasefire deal
- From the weekend: Hostages freed and prisoners released in latest ceasefire exchange
Hamas announced the delay five days before the next scheduled release of hostages as a "warning" to Israel, according to one of its official statements on Telegram. The group said it is giving mediators "ample time to pressure the occupation [Israel] into fulfilling its obligations," while leaving the door open for the planned releases to still take place.
This move seems to be an attempt to resolve the current impasse. The key question is whether Hamas is genuinely complaining about Israel not honoring its commitments, or if this is part of a broader issue. Other Palestinian officials have voiced similar concerns, particularly regarding Israel’s reluctance to allow caravans into Gaza to house the many displaced Palestinians whose homes have been destroyed.
Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire have yet to begin, and following President Trump’s insistence that all Palestinians must leave Gaza and the US plans to take over and redevelop the area, Hamas may be questioning the value of continued negotiations.
It remains too early to tell if the carefully negotiated process will collapse, as some have predicted, but after a largely positive start, the ceasefire is clearly under increasing strain.
Hamas says 'door remains open' for hostage-prisoner swap - reports
Hamas has stated that the "door remains open" for the next exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, scheduled for Saturday.
In a follow-up statement reported by AFP, Hamas explained that it made this announcement five days ahead of the planned handover to give mediators "ample time to pressure the [Israeli] occupation into fulfilling its obligations."
Earlier, when announcing it would suspend future hostage releases, Hamas accused Israel of "violating" the ceasefire agreement. This included allegations of "delaying the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza, targeting them with shelling and gunfire in various areas of the Strip, and failing to allow the entry of humanitarian aid in all its agreed-upon forms."
Israel has not directly responded to these latest remarks but stated earlier that it is prepared "for any possible scenario in Gaza."
Any delays, any holdups are an issue for ceasefire, UN warns
The UN has responded to Hamas's decision to delay hostage releases, stressing the importance of both Israel and Hamas adhering to the fragile ceasefire agreement.
"We want to ensure that all parties fulfill their commitments under the ceasefire, and it is crucial that they uphold all aspects and timelines of the agreement," said UN spokesperson Farhan Haq to reporters.
When asked if Hamas’s statement today constitutes a violation of the ceasefire, he stated that "any delays" would be an "issue," emphasizing, "We want to make sure that there are no delays, no hold-ups, and that all aspects of the agreement proceed as planned."
Hamas's delay follows Trump's remarks on Gaza's future
Hamas's announcement today did not directly reference Donald Trump or US policy, but it follows strong remarks made by the US president last week regarding his plan for Gaza.
Trump’s proposal included resettling Palestinians outside the territory and taking ownership of Gaza for redevelopment. He later clarified in an interview with Fox News that Palestinians would have no right of return after being removed from Gaza, explaining, "I'm talking about building a permanent place for them," though he did not specify where this would be.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stood alongside Trump during the initial White House briefing, praised the plan as "revolutionary and creative." At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that Trump was "determined to carry it out" and that "we are discussing it."
However, Trump’s proposal, which would violate international law, has been widely rejected, including by Arab states. The Saudi foreign ministry declared it would not accept "any infringement on the Palestinians' unalienable rights, and any attempts at displacement." Hamas also condemned the plan last week, saying it would "put oil on the fire" in the region.
Crowds in Tel Aviv call for release of hostages
People have gathered in Tel Aviv tonight to mark the 24th birthday of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, calling for the release of all hostages still held in Gaza.
"They must get out – Alon and the rest of the innocent kidnapped hostages have been held for over a year in the most horrifying conditions," Mia Goldstein, who is among the crowd, told me via WhatsApp.
She emphasized the need for "immense pressure on anyone who can get them out" and described Hamas's announcement tonight as "horrifying." "As we have seen from the last hostages that have returned, every delay is crucial for their lives."
Alon was taken hostage during the Nova festival. Today marks his second birthday spent in captivity.
Hamas suspends hostage releases: What you need to know
Earlier this afternoon, Hamas announced it would delay further releases of Israeli hostages. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hamas made the announcement on Telegram, citing Israel's "failure to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement."
- The statement accused Israel of "delaying the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza," "targeting them with shelling and gunfire in various areas of the Strip," and breaching the agreement on aid supplies.
- In response, Israel accused Hamas of a "complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages."
- Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli military to be "at the highest level of alert" to prepare for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities.
- The next scheduled exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners was set for Saturday, with three Israelis due to be handed over.
Reuters is reporting, citing an unnamed Israeli official, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brought forward a meeting of his security cabinet. The meeting, originally scheduled for tomorrow, will now take place today following Hamas's decision to delay the release of hostages.
Earlier, Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli military had been briefed to "prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza."
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