Trump also reiterated his controversial stance on Gaza, stating that he remained committed to having the US take control of the territory after Palestinians leave or are removed
US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the ongoing ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after seeing footage of Israeli hostages who appeared severely malnourished following their release.
Comparing their appearance to Holocaust survivors, Trump hinted that the US might soon lose patience with the current agreement.
“They look like Holocaust survivors. They were in horrible condition. They were emaciated,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. “I don’t know how much longer we can take that… at some point, we’re going to lose our patience,” Reuters reported.
Trump was referring to three Israeli hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—who were freed on Saturday.
Ben Ami and Sharabi were abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri, and Levy was taken from the Nova music festival during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The hostages appeared frail as they were led by Hamas gunmen before being handed over to Israeli authorities.
“They dribble in and keep dribbling in… but they are in really bad shape,” Trump added, noting that their condition was worse than that of the 18 hostages previously released under the truce agreed on January 19.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the sight of the weak hostages as “shocking” and said it would be addressed. In exchange for the three Israeli men, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners on the same day. Many of these prisoners also appeared thin and emaciated.
Trump also reiterated his controversial stance on Gaza, stating that he remained committed to having the US take control of the territory after Palestinians leave or are removed. He first announced this during Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington on February 4.
“As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices. But we’re committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn’t move back,” Trump said.
