US President Reiterates Support for Israel as 12 O’Clock Deadline Passes
Washington, DC [US], February 16: US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel, stating that the Israeli government must decide on its course of action following Hamas’ failure to release all hostages by the previously set deadline.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump noted that Hamas had released three hostages, including a US citizen, but emphasized that the broader demand for the release of all captives remained unmet.
“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. 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!” – Donald Trump on Truth Social
🔹 Hostages Released by Hamas
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday that three hostages—Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn—had been freed after spending 498 days in captivity.
✔ Sagui Dekel-Chen (36): A US-Israeli citizen who was one of the first to raise an alarm when Hamas terrorists infiltrated Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. His father last heard from him at 9:30 AM (local time) on that day.
✔ Sasha Troufanov (29): A Russian-Israeli citizen kidnapped along with his family from their home near Gaza. His father was killed in the Hamas attack, while three of his relatives were previously released in November 2023.
✔ Iair Horn (46): An Argentinian-Israeli citizen who was abducted from his kibbutz during the Hamas attack, which left a quarter of the community’s residents dead or kidnapped.
Their release was part of the sixth hostage-prisoner exchange under the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
🔹 Trump’s “Let Hell Break Out” Ultimatum
Earlier this week, Trump issued a stark warning, demanding that all hostages be released by 12 o’clock on Saturday or face severe consequences.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I would say, cancel it and all bets are off. Let hell break out.” – Donald Trump
When pressed about what “all hell breaking out” might entail, he responded:
“You’ll find out, and they’ll find out—Hamas will find out what I mean.”
Despite Trump’s warning, Hamas had initially threatened to delay hostage releases, accusing Israel of failing to meet its aid commitments under the ceasefire agreement. However, the group ultimately relented and released three captives.
As the Israeli leadership weighs its next steps, the situation in Gaza remains tense, with uncertainty looming over future negotiations and potential military actions.
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Trump on Hamas, Israel Hamas War, Hostage Crisis, Gaza Conflict, IDF, US Israel Relations, Hamas Prisoner Swap, Netanyahu, Israel Ceasefire, Middle East Tensions