Trump backs Israel's decision amid uncertain truce with Hamas
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Saturday that although Hamas has released three more hostages, they have not freed all those kidnapped. In this situation, Israel must decide how to proceed with Hamas, and the United States will support Israel's decision, Trump added.
"Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages. Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, had previously announced a halt to the hostage exchange, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the failure to release hostages by noon on Saturday would mean breaking the truce and resuming combat. Despite this, Hamas released three Israelis, and Israel freed 369 Palestinians.
Unclear message from Netanyahu
Netanyahu's statements were interpreted differently by Israeli media and officials. His words could have referred to the three hostages scheduled to be released on Saturday or to all hostages, who are to be freed in the ongoing first phase of the truce (besides the released trio, six more people have to be released).
In its broadest interpretation, these words would concern all still-living hostages. Trump also previously stated that if all hostages are not released by Saturday, the ceasefire should be suspended, resulting in "all hell breaking loose."
70 hostages have not returned to Israel yet
After Saturday's exchange in the Gaza Strip, 70 people are still held, of which at least 35 are already deceased.
Netanyahu is set to conduct a meeting in the evening to discuss further steps against Hamas, reported the Times of Israel. A source from the cabinet admitted that recent government communications have been unclear, but this is a "deliberate strategy."
The exchange of hostages for prisoners is just one element of the truce ongoing since January 19. The agreement is temporary and lasts until the beginning of March. The prospects for its extension are increasingly uncertain.
