US President Donald Trump pointed out that Hamas missed his 12 pm deadline for the release of “ALL HOSTAGES" on Saturday, February 15. He shared his thoughts on Truth Social, saying Hamas only released three hostages, despite earlier promises to release none.

Trump wrote, “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.” He continued, “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!”

Hamas Releases Three Hostages

Despite earlier threats, Hamas released three hostages on Saturday. These included Alexander Sasha Troufanov, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Iair Horn. Chen is a US-Israeli citizen.

Netanyahu’s Warning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had supported Trump’s demand for the release of all hostages. Netanyahu warned that if Hamas did not meet the deadline, the ceasefire would end. He said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would resume intense fighting against Hamas. “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense fighting until Hamas is decisively defeated,” Netanyahu stated. This decision was backed unanimously by his cabinet.