President Trump lauded the latest release of hostages held by Hamas on Saturday and asserted the U.S. will support Israel’s decision on whether the ceasefire continues. 

Three hostages were freed as part of the exchange between Israel and Hamas, including American-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen. Israel answered by returning hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

“Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social. “They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages.”

He added, “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!”

The exchange marked the sixth swap of hostages and prisoners since the ceasefire took effect last month and comes at a tense moment that could see the truce crumble. 

Mr. Trump’s previous comments of wanting to take over Gaza and remove 2 million Palestinians from the region added more pressure to the deal between Israel and Hamas.

This week, Mr. Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon the ceasefire if Hamas didn’t release all remaining hostages by noon Saturday, warning that if the deadline wasn’t met, “all hell is going to break out.”

Mr. Netanyahu then threatened to withdraw from the ceasefire and resume fighting if Hamas followed through on its warning that it would delay the release of the three hostages. 

The leader of the Jewish state ordered the Israel Defense Forces to mobilize around the Gaza Strip to respond in case the transfer was canceled.

Israel and Hamas are in the first of a three-phase ceasefire deal. The second would see more hostages released and an agreement from Israel to end the war.

The third phase would bring an end to the war, the transfer of bodies from both sides, the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza and the reconstruction of the area.
 
The bodies of four Americans — Etay Chen, Omer Neutra, Judih Weinstein and Gadi Haggai — killed in the Hamas rampage of Oct. 7, 2023, would be released during the third phase.

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.