Trump: We Support Any Israeli Decision Regarding Deadline for the Release of 'All Hostages'

Hours after the release of three Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated that the United States supports any decision made by Israel regarding the deadline set for the release of all hostages. On Saturday, February 16, Trump posted on the social media platform 'Truth Social' that Hamas has released three other hostages, including one American citizen. According to the U.S. President, they appear to be in good condition. He further noted that the release of these three hostages comes despite Hamas's statement a few days earlier that it would not release any hostages. Trump added that Israel must now decide on the 'deadline of 12 PM today [Saturday] for the release of all kidnapped hostages.' He emphasized that the United States will support any decision Israel makes in this regard. The U.S. President previously described Hamas's threat to suspend the hostage release process as 'horrific' and stated that if all Israeli hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, 'hell will break loose' and he would call for an end to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two groups supported by the Islamic Republic, released three Israeli hostages in Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Saturday morning, February 16, and handed them over to Red Cross officials. Saguy Dekel Chen, Sasha Trofanov, and Eyaer Horn were returned to Israel by Red Cross officials after their release. The 'Jerusalem Post' noted that these three were transported to the designated handover location in a vehicle belonging to Hamas. Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to witness the release of the three hostages. In exchange for the release of these three hostages, Israel has freed 369 Palestinian prisoners. On Thursday, February 15, Hamas announced that following threats from the U.S. and Israel, it would continue to release more hostages after discussions with Egyptian and Qatari officials. During the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Palestinian militants massacred 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took over 250 others, including women, children, and the elderly, hostage. Following this terrorist attack, Israel launched an offensive against Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages. Currently, dozens of kidnapped hostages remain in the custody of Palestinian militants in Gaza. The U.S., the European Union, and several other countries around the world have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.