On Sunday, February 10, 2025, Hamas unilaterally announced the cancellation of the hostage release agreement. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump set a precise deadline for ending the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip – Saturday at 12:01. In a dramatic statement from the White House Oval Office, Trump made it clear that if all Israeli hostages are not released by 12:00 noon, "hell will begin" in the Strip.

"If all hostages aren't returned by Saturday afternoon – that's an appropriate time – I would say it's time to cancel the ceasefire", Trump declared to reporters. The American President emphasized that he demands full and immediate release of all hostages, and will not accept gradual release: "I don't want to receive them one by one or two by two".

Trump's harsh statement comes less than 24 hours after Hamas's decision to cancel the deal. "After Saturday everything will change, it will be a different game", Trump added, but refrained from detailing the nature of expected actions. Instead, he said: "You'll know, and Hamas will know too".

Along with setting the ultimatum, the U.S. President raised an additional threat – stopping American aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees. "If they don't agree, I can delay the aid. Why not?", Trump said. He noted that he will raise the issue in his meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Washington on Tuesday.

According to Trump, many Gaza residents "would like to leave" the Strip but have been prevented from doing so. "If we can establish a good and safe place for them, everyone will agree", he added.

The setting of zero hour by Trump marks a possible turning point in the Gaza crisis, especially in light of Hamas's decision yesterday to cancel the agreement. The world is closely watching the development of events as the clock ticks toward the set deadline – Saturday noon.

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