WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump warned Hamas to release hostages in Gaza, calling it a “last warning” on Truth Social.
He pledged full Israeli support, saying, “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if demands are ignored.”
Trump insisted Hamas return all hostages and deceased bodies immediately or face severe consequences.
“If you don’t comply, it is OVER for you,” Trump warned in his online statement.
He advised Hamas leaders to leave Gaza while they still could.
Gaza’s Future
Trump also addressed Gaza residents, saying a “beautiful future” awaited them if they rejected hostage-taking.
“If you hold hostages, you are DEAD!” he added in a direct threat to Gazans.
Hamas accused Trump of undermining the current ceasefire agreement between Israel and their group.
They claimed his statement encouraged Israel to violate the truce and delay its implementation.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Trump’s words “complicate matters” regarding ongoing peace efforts.
Previous Warnings
This was not Trump’s first warning; in December, he issued a similar threat regarding hostage releases.
At that time, he warned of severe retaliation if hostages remained captive by his inauguration.
Trump made the latest statement after meeting recently freed hostages at the White House.
His comments signaled strong backing for Israel’s efforts against Hamas in Gaza.
Trump remains firm on pressuring Hamas for hostage releases through diplomatic and military means.
Direct Negotiations
The White House confirmed direct US-Hamas negotiations regarding the remaining hostages in Gaza.
This marked a shift from longstanding US policy avoiding direct engagement with Hamas.
Washington typically refrains from dealing with organizations it classifies as terrorist groups.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Israel was consulted before the negotiations.
She emphasized that the talks aimed to serve the best interests of the American people.
Special Envoy’s Role
US hostage envoy Adam Boehler is leading the direct engagement efforts with Hamas representatives.
Leavitt called these negotiations a “good faith effort” to ensure American hostages’ safe return.
A Palestinian source confirmed “two direct meetings” occurred after prior communications between both sides.
The meetings reportedly took place in Qatar, a crucial mediator in regional conflicts.
Axios first revealed the negotiations, stating they focused on US hostages and ending the war.
Israel’s Response
Israel launched its military campaign after Hamas’ deadly attack on October 7, 2023.
That attack resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken into Gaza.
Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 48,440 people killed in Israeli operations.
Israeli authorities say 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive.
Among them, five are American citizens, with only Edan Alexander confirmed alive.
Diplomatic Efforts
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office acknowledged the US-Hamas talks but withheld further details.
Adam Boehler reportedly met Hamas officials in Qatar’s capital, Doha, in recent weeks.
Hamas has maintained a presence in Doha since 2012, initially supported by the Obama administration.
Qatar, a US ally, plays a critical role in brokering negotiations in regional conflicts.
It previously mediated diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Russia, and the Taliban.
Qatar’s Role
Qatar’s involvement in Israel-Hamas negotiations has been significant alongside US and Egyptian efforts.
The Gulf state is home to a major US airbase and facilitates sensitive diplomatic discussions.
It has long been a mediator between conflicting parties, including Hamas and Israel.
Qatar’s government has played a major role in ceasefire negotiations between both warring sides.
Despite tensions, Qatar remains crucial in discussions regarding hostages and broader conflict resolution.
