Hamas firmly dismisses Trump’s ultimatum, emphasizing that a ceasefire is the sole path to securing the release of zionist captives

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official within the Hamas political bureau, emphasized that former President Donald Trump must understand the necessity of both parties adhering to their commitments if the ceasefire in Gaza is to endure. He asserted that this is the sole method to ensure the return of the Israeli captives.

In his statement, he emphasized that employing threatening rhetoric is ineffective and serves only to exacerbate the situation.

Former President Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to advocate for the termination of the ceasefire in Gaza unless all Israeli hostages held by Hamas are freed by Saturday at noon. Trump stated that, should the demand not be met, he would support unleashing a full-scale offensive.

He stated that if the hostages are not released by 12 p.m. on Saturday, he believes it would be justified to cancel any existing agreements and for any potential consequences to unfold. He emphasized the urgency, insisting on the hostages’ return by the specified deadline.

The President of the United States expressed a firm stance on the ongoing situation involving hostages, calling for the mass release of all captives rather than a gradual, piecemeal approach. “We want them all back,” he asserted, emphasizing the urgency and priority of securing their immediate and collective freedom.

Hamas announced on Monday evening that it will postpone the planned release of additional Israeli captives, initially scheduled for Saturday, citing alleged breaches of the Gaza ceasefire by Israeli authorities. The group stated the delay will remain “until further notice.”

Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced that the captives will “remain in place” until the occupying entity fulfills previous commitments and provides retroactive compensation, according to a statement released by the group.

Over the last three weeks, the resistance leadership has observed breaches by the opposing forces and noted their failure to adhere to the terms outlined in the agreement, he stated.

The reported infringements consist of postponing the repatriation of displaced individuals to northern Gaza, subjecting them to artillery and gunfire in multiple regions of the Gaza Strip, and not permitting the agreed-upon entry of relief supplies. In contrast, the resistance forces have reportedly adhered to all their commitments.

The spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades emphasized the group’s dedication to upholding the terms of the agreement, contingent upon the occupation’s compliance with those terms.

Following an announcement by Hamas, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to be on “the highest level of alert” in anticipation of any potential developments in Gaza.