WASHINGTON, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would take a very hard stance against Gaza if the Israeli hostages are not released by Saturday noon, but its up to Israel to decide.
"I don't know what's going to happen at 12 o'clock ... If it was up to me, I'd take a very hard stance," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
"I can't tell you what Israel is going to do." He stated that Hamas has changed its mind, after threatening earlier to delay the release of the hostages.
"Now I understand they've totally changed. Hamas has totally changed. They want to release hostages now again." Hamas announced Friday that it would release three Israeli hostages exchange for Palestinian hostages on Saturday as per the ceasefire and prisoners exchange agreement.
"I actually think they should release all of the hostages," Trump said.
Earlier this week, Trump set Saturday, February 16, as a deadline for the release of all the remaining Israeli hostages, warning that "all hell is gonna break out" if the deadline is not met. (end) amm.ibi