President Trump offered his support and congratulations after Hamas released three more hostages from Gaza Saturday — but made clear that it was far short of his demand for all the hostages to be released, and said he would support Israel in whatever decision they make going forward regarding the precarious cease-fire with the terror group.
“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 said in a Truth Social post Saturday morning.
On Saturday, Hamas released 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 return Israel handed over hundreds of violent 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 cease-fire 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.