- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:57 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to comment on the ongoing Israel-Hamas hostage crisis, vowing that the United States would support whatever decision Israel makes in response to Hamas's failure to release all captives.
"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," Trump wrote.
On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the safe return of three hostages: Sagui Dekel-Chen (36), Alexander Troufanov (29), and Yair Horn (46). The three men had been held captive in Gaza for nearly 498 days before being freed as part of a negotiated hostage-prisoner exchange under the temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
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,…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 15, 2025
Upon their release, the hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has been facilitating the hostage release process. They were subsequently reunited with their families in Israel.
Netanyahu Warns Of Renewed Offensive
The release of these three hostages comes amid heightened tensions over the fragile ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that if Hamas does not comply with the conditions set for the truce, Israel will resume its military operations in Gaza.
Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to remain on high alert and stationed additional forces around the war-torn enclave. He emphasised that Israel would not halt military operations until Hamas is eliminated and all remaining hostages are freed.
Uncertainty Over Ceasefire and Future Hostage Releases
With Hamas failing to release all captives by the agreed deadline, uncertainty looms over whether the ceasefire will hold or if Israel will resume full-scale military action. The US and its allies are closely monitoring the situation, while Trump’s statement signals his commitment to standing by Israel’s choices in the escalating conflict.
