US President Donald Trump has demanded that the Palestinian radical Hamas movement release all hostages by Saturday afternoon, otherwise the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will be violated. Trump said this at a White House press briefing on Monday.

"If all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday 12 o'clock—I think it's an appropriate time—I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. Trump said, adding that "all" the remaining hostages should be freed, "not in dribs and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two."

"We want them all back. I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it, but for myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock—and if they're not here, all hell is going to break out."

But Trump did not elaborate on what the threat entailed, saying only that "Hamas will find out what I mean."