Trump Swallows His Pride, Reposts About Overlooked Deadline
Gaza (Quds News Network)- US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social today to acknowledge the latest prisoner release in Gaza. He wrote, “Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape!” He then referenced his own deadline, adding, “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 had previously set a deadline for Hamas to release all Israeli prisoners by noon today. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for Trump’s ultimatum but did not specify how many prisoners he expected to be freed, as he did not want to embarrass Trump, according to analysis . However, Hamas ignored Trump’s threats entirely, continuing its releases according to the existing ceasefire agreement—not in response to US pressure.
This is not the first time Hamas has dismissed Trump’s demands. The group also ignored his plea to release Israeli-American prisoners “as a gesture,” even as he continues to call for wiping out the resistance movement and intensifying the genocide in Gaza. Despite his administration’s continued military aid to Israel, his direct pressure on Hamas has proven ineffective.
The prisoner release today followed the agreed-upon ceasefire terms. While Trump’s deadline passed without any additional releases, he reposted about the event, attempting to reframe it as a significant moment.
