In a bold and controversial move, former President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages by midday Saturday. This demand follows his frustration with the condition of the last group of hostages freed by Hamas. The militant group, however, has announced its decision to halt further releases of Israeli hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of their agreement.
Trump has proposed canceling the current Israel-Hamas ceasefire if his demands are not met. In addition to this, he has threatened to withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they do not accept Palestinian refugees being relocated from Gaza. The proposal has been met with resistance from Israel's Arab neighbors, including Egypt and Jordan, who argue that transferring Palestinians from their land could destabilize the region.
Trump's proposal involves resettling Gaza's 2.2 million Palestinians and suggests that the U.S. take control of the seaside enclave. He envisions redeveloping Gaza into what he calls the "Riviera of the Middle East," despite acknowledging that it would take years for the area to become habitable again.
"I'm talking about building a permanent place for them" – President Donald Trump
Gaza residents and several Arab states have repeatedly rejected Trump's proposal, labeling it impractical and unjust. Rights advocates and the United Nations have criticized the plan, describing it as a form of ethnic cleansing. Despite these criticisms, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Trump's vision, while suggesting that Palestinians would eventually be allowed to return to their homeland.
Egypt remains particularly concerned, fearing that Palestinians could be forcibly moved across its border with Gaza. Trump, however, insists that under his proposal, Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza but would be provided with superior housing in new communities.
"No, they wouldn't because they're going to have much better housing" – President Donald Trump
Additionally, Trump is scheduled to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah on Tuesday to discuss his proposal further. The meeting is expected to delve into the potential implications of his plan and explore possible solutions to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"I'd say they ought to be returned by 12 o'clock on Saturday" – President Donald Trump
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri has warned against such plans, emphasizing the potential danger they pose to regional stability.
"We affirm that such plans are capable of igniting the region" – Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri
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