President Donald Trump speaks to Congress at the US Capitol on March 4, 2025. REUTERS
US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. His statement came shortly after the White House confirmed direct talks with the militant group.
“Release all hostages now and return the bodies of those you killed, or it is OVER for you,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He promised to provide Israel with everything needed to “finish the job” and warned that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if his demand was ignored.
This message followed reports that the US was engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas regarding the hostages and the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Traditionally, the US does not communicate with groups it designates as terrorist organizations. However, both the Obama and Trump administrations had negotiated with the Taliban in the past.
US Justifies Talks with Hamas
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the decision to engage with Hamas, stating that Trump’s special envoy, Adam Boehler, had the authority to speak with anyone necessary. She confirmed that Israel was consulted before these discussions began.
“Talking to different parties to serve the best interests of the American people is something the president believes in,” Leavitt said.
The Israeli government acknowledged the US decision, though it did not clarify whether it was informed beforehand. A senior Israeli diplomat supported Trump’s approach, saying it was right to put pressure on Hamas instead of Israel. “If the White House is pushing Hamas to release more hostages, we welcome it,” said Ofir Akunis, Israel’s consul general in New York.
Hamas Responds to Trump’s Threats
Hamas reacted sharply to Trump’s comments, claiming they could disrupt the ongoing ceasefire and complicate negotiations. Spokesperson Hazem Qassem argued that Hamas had fulfilled its commitments under the first phase of the US-brokered deal and accused Israel of delaying the second phase.
He urged the US to pressure Israel into honoring the next steps of the agreement. Meanwhile, Israel had already blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza after Hamas rejected its proposal to extend the ceasefire without committing to ending the war.
Trump also addressed the people of Gaza directly, saying, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.”
