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President Trump voiced both his support and congratulations following Hamas’ release of three more hostages from Gaza on Saturday. However, he underscored that this action fell short of his demand for the release of all hostages. The President also expressed his backing for any decision Israel makes in the future regarding the fragile ceasefire with the terror organization.
“Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages,” Trump remarked in a Truth Social post on Saturday morning.
On the same day, Hamas released three individuals: Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, Alexander Trupanov, a 29-year-old dual Russian-Israeli citizen, and Yair Horn, a 46-year-old dual Argentinian-Israeli. In exchange, Israel released hundreds of convicted terrorists.
A return to open warfare seemed imminent just days ago after Hamas said they would not hand over any hostages on Saturday — in violation of a fragile ceasefire signed between Israel and the terrorist group shortly before Trump took office.
In his statement, Trump appeared to tacitly urge Israel to keep the pressure on for the release of all hostages — and made clear that U.S. support would be rock solid for whatever they needed to do.
“Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!” Trump said.
Israeli leaders have increasingly said a two-state solution — the long sought solution to the Middle East conflict — is no longer viable. Trump has suggested the United States assume control of Gaza and the Palestinian population be resettled to neighboring countries — something Arab leaders have vociferously opposed.