US will back Israel’s next move in Gaza conflict after Hamas releases only 3 hostages

On Saturday, Trump issued a statement reiterating the deadline he set for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. He declared that the US would support Israel in any decision it makes should Hamas refuse to release all remaining hostages.

"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. 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 posted on Truth Social.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel is "preparing with full intensity for what comes next, in every sense," per Fox News. On Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House, "If all the Gaza hostages aren't returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire. Let all hell break out; Israel can override it."

Netanjahu reportedly held a security meeting on Saturday at Trump's deadline for the hostage release.

Among the three hostages released was US national Sagui Dekel Chen. The hostages crossed the border into Israel and traveled to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they were reunited with family members. In exchange, Israel is set to release 369 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, most of whom were arrested in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, according to ABC News.

"Three returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment," a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) said. "The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families."

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also released a statement, saying it will assist the hostages in their rehabilitation after their days in captivity. Additionally, the prime minister’s office claimed that Hamas tried to violate the agreement and tried to “create a fake crisis with false claims” but backed down due to the concentration of Israeli forces and the support of President Trump.

“We are working in full coordination with the United States with the goal of rescuing all of our hostages - alive and dead - as quickly as possible, and are preparing with full force to continue, in all respects,” the statement read.