The Gaza ceasefire appeared increasingly fragile on Tuesday after Hamas criticized US President Donald Trump’s latest warning, claiming it “further complicates” the agreement with Israel. The ceasefire, in place since January 19, has largely halted over 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip, but it faces growing tensions.
Trump escalated his stance on Monday, threatening to end the ceasefire if all Israeli hostages were not released by noon on Saturday. “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.
The current agreement stipulates staggered releases over 42 days. However, a senior Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, said Trump’s warning “further complicates matters,” stressing that both parties must respect the agreement to facilitate the return of prisoners. Another Hamas official added that Trump should press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement the terms of the ceasefire and cease obstructing Gaza aid.
Trump’s threat came hours after Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, announced the delay of the next hostage release, citing Israel’s failure to meet commitments, including aid provisions. Hamas said the delay would give mediators time to push Israel for compliance, but warned that fighting could resume if Israel does not comply.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the delay as a “complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement, signaling that the situation could escalate. Negotiations on the truce’s implementation are scheduled to continue in Qatar, but talks on a second phase of the agreement have stalled due to Israel’s refusal to send negotiators.
Meanwhile, Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Gaza’s population has garnered international criticism. Netanyahu called the idea “revolutionary,” but the United Nations and legal experts argue that it would violate international law. Trump also threatened to cut aid to US allies Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinians under his plan.
Trump’s statements about Palestinians’ right to return to Gaza have raised concerns, as any attempt to forcibly remove Palestinians would evoke painful memories of the 1948 displacement, known as the “Nakba.”
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with a deadly Hamas attack, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. As of Tuesday, at least 48,208 people in Gaza have been killed, according to figures from Hamas-run Gaza’s health ministry, which the UN deems reliable.
AFP
