Donald Trump to Jordan's Abdullah: All hostages must be released by Saturday

Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas is a terrorist organization that should not be allowed to be part of the government in any part of Gaza.

By AMICHAI STEIN FEBRUARY 12, 2025 17:33 Updated: FEBRUARY 12, 2025 18:11

Donald Trump meets with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House in Washington, February 11, 2025 (photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)

US President Donald Trump told King Abdullah of Jordan that Hamas must release all hostages, including all Americans, by Saturday and asked for the King's assistance in ensuring that Hamas and leaders of the region understand the severity of the situation, the White House said Wednesday.

Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas is a terrorist organization that should not be allowed to be part of the government in any part of Gaza.

"This is an unhealthy situation. They need to go," Witkoff added.

"Donald Trump said everything we need to know; Saturday, 12:00," Witkoff concluded, referring to the deadline by Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Hamas to return all hostages.

Jordan's King Abdullah blinks profusely during his comments about US President Donald Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip, at a meeting between the two at the White House, February 11, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

Trump tells Jordanian king that US will 'take Gaza'

 Trump told Abdullah that the US is going "to take Gaza" in a meeting between the two on Tuesday.

"Palestinians will live safely in another location that is not Gaza," he said, adding that the US wasn't going to buy Gaza but rather "run it very properly."

Trump asked under what authority the US would take Gaza, and he said under US authority. However, he said that the US would not personally develop Gaza.