Hamas fighters secure an area before handing over two “Israeli” captives to a Red Cross team in Khan Yunis. (February 1, 2025)
Hamas responds to Trump's warning of “hell breaking loose” in Gaza
A senior Hamas leader said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump's warning for the group to immediately release all “Israeli” captives "further complicates matters" relating to the Gaza truce.
Read more: Abu Obaida: Hamas to delay release of 'Israeli' captives over agreement violations
"Trump must remember that there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties and this is the only way to return the prisoners," Sami Abu Zuhri told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"The language of threats has no value and further complicates matters," he added.
Earlier, Trump set a Saturday deadline for all “Israeli” captives to be released from Gaza, saying that otherwise "all hell" would break out and he would call for the “Israel”-Hamas ceasefire to be canceled.
Trump's latest extraordinary intervention in the Middle East came after Hamas threatened to postpone any further prisoner exchanges.
Describing Hamas's move as "terrible", Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he would "let that be Israel's decision" on what should ultimately happen to the ceasefire.
Read more: Katz: Hamas' suspension of exchange deal violates ceasefire
"But 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," Trump said.
Trump said that "all" the remaining captives should be freed, "not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two."
"We want them all back. I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it, but for myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock -- and if they're not here, all hell is going to break out."
Trump said he would probably speak to “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the timeline he had just proposed.
He did not elaborate on what the threat entailed, saying only that "Hamas will find out what I mean."
Asked if he was ruling out the potential involvement of US forces, Trump replied: "We'll see what happens."
