CAIRO, Feb 11 – A senior Hamas official has emphasized that the ongoing ceasefire must be upheld if there is any hope of securing the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The statement follows strong remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of severe consequences if Hamas did not release all captives by Saturday.
Hamas has been gradually releasing hostages since the truce took effect on January 19. However, the group has recently halted further releases, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement through continued military operations in Gaza.
Trump, known for his unwavering support of Israel, has issued a stern ultimatum, stating that if all hostages are not freed by midday on Saturday, he would advocate for the termination of the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to retrieving all hostages, whether alive or deceased.
Tensions Escalate Over Hostage Crisis
Netanyahu made his position clear, vowing that Israel would take “determined and ruthless action” until every hostage is brought home. His statement came in response to the confirmation of the death of Israeli citizen Shlomo Mansour, one of the hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack.
Trump’s involvement in the matter has provoked strong reactions across the region, with Palestinian leaders and Arab nations condemning what they see as an attempt to impose U.S. control over the crisis. The president’s controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s population and transform the enclave into a luxury destination—dubbed “the Riviera of the Middle East”—has only fueled tensions further.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri rejected Trump’s aggressive stance, stating, “There is an agreement in place, and both sides must adhere to it. Threats will only complicate matters rather than bring a resolution.”
Regional Fallout and Rising Concerns
Trump’s latest remarks have stirred unease among key U.S. allies in the Middle East, particularly Jordan and Egypt. Reports indicate that Trump may threaten to cut aid to these countries if they refuse to resettle Palestinian refugees. This idea has alarmed Jordanian officials, who fear that such a move could reignite calls for Jordan to be designated as an alternative homeland for Palestinians—a notion long opposed by Amman.
The forcible displacement of people under military occupation is considered a war crime under international law, specifically under the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Palestinian leaders warn that any forced relocation would mirror the historical displacement of Palestinians in 1948, known as the Nakba. Israel, however, denies any intention to forcefully expel Gaza’s population.
Far-Right Israeli Ministers Push for Hardline Measures
Inside Israel, pressure is mounting from hardline members of the government who are urging drastic action against Hamas. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for an end to humanitarian aid to Gaza, alongside measures such as cutting off electricity and water supplies. “We need to open the gates of hell,” he stated at a policy conference.
The truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, has prevented further bloodshed since mid-January. However, reports indicate that over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, and nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
International Calls for Stability
As the situation grows more precarious, world leaders are urging restraint. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning, stating that a breakdown of the ceasefire would lead to “immense tragedy.” He called on Hamas to proceed with planned hostage releases and urged both sides to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank continues to escalate, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The expansion of Israeli settlements has further diminished hopes for a negotiated two-state solution, an idea that has largely stagnated since 2014.
With tensions at a boiling point, the fragile ceasefire remains the only viable pathway to securing the release of hostages and preventing a return to large-scale violence. However, with Israel vowing relentless action and Hamas standing firm, the future of the truce—and the region—remains highly uncertain.