Israel-Hamas ceasefire live updates: Israeli security cabinet voting on deal
NBCJAN 18
Trump: Hamas Should Release All Hostages by Saturday or 'Let All Hell Break Out'
Above: Women and children walk along a destroyed road past collapsed buildings in the west of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Feb. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Bashar Taleb/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Donald Trump said on Monday that the cease-fire deal in Gaza should be canceled if Hamas does not release all Israeli hostages this coming Saturday. Trump said "let hell break out" if the hostages were not returned, though he added that it was Israel's decision.
Trump's comments came after Hamas announced that it would indefinitely postpone the next release of hostages over alleged Israeli violations of the cease-fire, such as shooting displaced civilians and preventing aid from entering the strip.
Trump also said regarding his plan to displace Gaza's population that he could withhold aid to Egypt and Jordan if they did not agree to accept Palestinians. Both countries, as well as other Arab states, have rejected the plan. Trump has also said that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to Gaza if they left.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Preventing the collapse of the cease-fire in Gaza is imperative to both regional security and humanitarian concerns. Both sides must work through the issues on the table and continue negotiating, as no one benefits from a return to war.
Pro-Israel narrative
Unlike his predecessor, Donald Trump has been a great friend to Israel and is committed to freeing the hostages from their terrorist captors. For too long, Israel has had its hands tied and been prevented from winning this war. Now, with a friendly administration in Washington, Israel can set the terms of the future.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It has been clear since day one that Netanyahu would do everything he could to sabotage the cease-fire and return to the war to ensure his political survival. Trump has taken the bait and is giving Netanyahu the needed cover to prevent negotiations from progressing. Indeed, why would Hamas move forward with a deal that Israel seeks to undermine?