Hamas has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that severe consequences will follow if the group fails to release the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza by Saturday.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri emphasized that any hostage releases would depend on Israel honoring the ceasefire agreement established last month. “Trump must acknowledge that there is an agreement in place that both sides must respect,” he stated.
The fragile ceasefire, which has enabled hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries, is at risk of collapse. A failure to secure a lasting deal could lead to renewed violence and further worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Trump’s call for Israel to abandon the truce if Hamas does not comply has added to the uncertainty.
Hamas has warned it may delay the scheduled release of three Israeli hostages on Saturday, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by restricting humanitarian aid, including tents and shelters, from reaching civilians.
Zuhri stressed that U.S. threats would not change Hamas’s position.
On Monday, Trump urged Israel to cancel the ceasefire if Hamas does not release all hostages by noon on Saturday, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with Israeli leaders. His remarks have heightened concerns about an imminent return to military conflict.
As part of the ceasefire’s first phase, Hamas agreed to free 33 hostages captured during its 2023 attack in exchange for Israel releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Since January 19, five exchanges have taken place, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian detainees.
However, the second phase of the truce—requiring Hamas to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a prolonged ceasefire—remains unresolved. If negotiations fail, Israeli officials warn that military operations could resume as early as March.
Trump stated: “If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I would say cancel [the ceasefire], and all bets are off—let hell break loose.”
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri responded: “Threats have no value; they only complicate matters.”
With the ceasefire at a breaking point, Israel’s security cabinet is debating whether to resume military operations. If Hamas does not follow through with the next hostage release, Israeli forces may launch renewed strikes. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy can preserve the truce or if large-scale conflict will return.
