A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, has stated that Israeli hostages in Gaza can only be freed if the fragile ceasefire agreement is upheld, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of escalation, reports Reuters.
Hamas, which has gradually released some hostages, suspended further releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire with deadly shootings and delays in humanitarian aid. Israel denies these claims, saying it only targets individuals approaching military positions.
Trump, a strong ally of Israel, warned Hamas to release all hostages by midday Saturday or risk an end to the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to take “determined and ruthless” action until all captives are returned.
Trump’s Gaza Proposal Sparks Controversy
Trump’s proposal for Gaza’s future, which suggests displacing over 2 million residents and transforming the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” has angered Arab leaders. The plan contradicts decades of U.S. support for a two-state solution and has drawn sharp criticism from regional allies.
As Trump prepared to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah, tensions rose over his threat to cut aid to Jordan if it refuses to resettle Palestinian refugees. Jordan, Egypt, and the UN have warned that forced displacement would violate international law and could destabilize the region.
Ceasefire at Risk Amid Mounting Tensions
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support, has paused the conflict since January 19. However, hostilities could resume as Israeli officials, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, push for harsh retaliatory measures.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Hamas to release hostages and warned that renewed fighting would cause “immense tragedy” in Gaza, where 48,000 Palestinians have been killed and a hunger crisis threatens millions.
The fate of the hostages, ceasefire, and regional stability remains uncertain as diplomatic tensions escalate.
