Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ To Hamas Over Israeli Hostages
United States President Donald Trump has issued a “last warning” to the Hamas militant group to release the hostages being held in Gaza.
Trump’s statement came shortly after the White House confirmed it was engaging in direct talks with Hamas concerning the remaining Israeli hostages.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job; not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” Trump wrote in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform.
In the post, Trump warned that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released, although he did not specify the exact nature of the support he was sending to Israel.
“Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump stated. “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
He also issued a broader threat: “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
Hamas accused Trump of encouraging Israel to break the ceasefire agreement currently in effect between the two sides. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the threats “complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation [Israel] to avoid implementing its terms.”
This is not the first time Trump has issued threats to Hamas. In December, he said there would be “all hell to pay” if the hostages were not released by the time he took office.
The post followed a meeting between Trump and a group of hostages recently released under the ceasefire.
Washington had previously avoided direct engagement with Hamas, as the U.S. has a long-standing policy of not engaging with entities it designates as terrorist organizations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the U.S. has been negotiating directly with Hamas to try to secure the release of the hostages. She also noted that Israel had been consulted prior to the talks.
President Trump, she said, was acting in the best interest of the American people, and Adam Boehler’s work as the special envoy for hostages was “a good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”
