Ceasefire Twist: Hamas Agrees to Free 33 Hostages After Trump’s Harsh Warning
Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, following indirect negotiations facilitated by international mediators in Doha.
This development comes shortly after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning, stating that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released before his inauguration on January 20.
The proposed ceasefire includes a phased truce over six to eight weeks, during which Hamas would release the hostages in exchange for the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
While the agreement has garnered support from various international stakeholders, it faces opposition from some members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, who are against halting military operations and releasing prisoners.