By DAYO ADESULU
Former U.S. President Warns of Consequences Amid Middle East Tensions
Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be canceled if the militant group does not release all remaining hostages by midday on Saturday.
“If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out,” Trump told reporters on Monday after signing a series of executive orders. He expressed concerns that some hostages may already be dead but acknowledged that the final decision rests with Israel.
Trump Pushes for Palestinian Relocation
During an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that Palestinians in Gaza should not have a right to return, contradicting U.S. officials who previously suggested his plan involved only a temporary relocation of Gaza’s population.
Threat to Withhold Aid from Jordan and Egypt
The former president also escalated pressure on Jordan and Egypt, urging them to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza. When asked whether he would consider withholding U.S. aid from these countries if they refused, he responded:
“Yeah, maybe. Sure. Why not? If they don’t agree, I would. I would conceivably withhold aid, yeah.”
Global Concerns Over Ceasefire Stability
Trump’s remarks come at a critical time when international mediators are working to sustain the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after over 15 months of war. His stance could potentially disrupt ongoing negotiations for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
The international community now awaits Israel’s response to Trump’s statements, as tensions in the Middle East continue to mount.
