The final result: Hamas released three hostages. All hell, however, did not break out.

Trump, aware that unfulfilled threats will damage his credibility, made clear on his social media platform on Saturday that any consequences for Hamas not releasing all the hostages would be Israel’s responsibility to deal with, not the US

1. “Hamas has just released three hostages from Gaza, including an American citizen.
2. They seem to be in good shape!
3. This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any hostages,”
4. “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.
5. The United States will back the decision they make!”

This was a clear message to all: It’s not that Trump did not back up his threat with action, but instead, he deferred to Israel, which – as it turned out –
1. decided to proceed with the ceasefire plan as originally structured
2. and not take military action to change it midstream
3. and possibly jeopardize the lives of the remaining hostages still to be released.