US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening further destruction in Gaza if all remaining hostages are not released.
In a post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with freed hostages, Trump made it clear that Hamas leaders must act swiftly or face severe consequences.
“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 wrote. “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
Trump also addressed Gaza’s civilian population, stating that a better future was possible only if hostages were freed. “To the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!” he warned.
His comments came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also threatened Hamas with “consequences that you cannot imagine” if the group did not release hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The warning coincides with a tense ceasefire situation, as Israel continues to pressure Hamas through military actions and economic restrictions. The first phase of a ceasefire, which involved hostage-prisoner exchanges, ended recently, with Hamas demanding a transition to a second phase that would lead to a permanent ceasefire.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Israel has cut off supplies to Gaza, and its military leaders insist that Hamas has not yet been defeated. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated, “Hamas has indeed suffered a severe blow, but it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet accomplished.”
Trump reaffirmed his strong support for Israel, announcing that his administration is expediting billions of dollars in weapons to help Israel “finish the job.”
Despite its historical refusal to engage with Hamas, the U.S. has now confirmed unprecedented direct talks between its hostage affairs envoy, Adam Boehler, and Hamas representatives. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained, “Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president believes is right.”
This marks a shift in U.S. policy, as Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by Washington since 1997. Both the White House and Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel was consulted before these discussions took place.
The escalating crisis has drawn international attention, with France, Britain, and Germany calling the humanitarian situation in Gaza “catastrophic.” They urged Israel to allow the unrestricted delivery of aid. Meanwhile, South Africa accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war by limiting aid access.
Arab nations have proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to rebuild the war-torn region under Palestinian leadership while sidelining Hamas. However, Israeli and U.S. officials remain skeptical about the plan’s feasibility.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced Trump’s stance, stating, “He doesn’t say these things and not mean it. If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it.”
As tensions rise, the fate of the remaining hostages and the future of Gaza remain uncertain, with both Israel and Hamas under increasing international pressure to negotiate a resolution.
