US President Donald Trump has issued a strong statement to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. This warning comes after news that the White House is in talks with the militant group.

“Release all of the hostages now and return the bodies of those you killed, or it is OVER for you,” Trump stated on Truth Social shortly after meeting eight freed hostages at the White House.
Trump emphasized that he would support Israel fully, declaring that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” unless his demands are met.
This statement follows the US’s revelation that it is negotiating directly with Hamas for the first time. This marks a shift from the long-standing American policy of avoiding dialogue with groups labeled as terrorists. Historically, both the Obama and Trump administrations engaged with the Taliban, which is also on the terrorist list.
When questioned about these negotiations, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the special envoy for hostages has the authority to communicate with anyone, including Hamas.
Israel was consulted on this matter,” she added, referring to the importance of dialogue to benefit American interests.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged having communicated its views regarding the talks but did not clarify if they approved in advance or learned about them afterward. Earlier reports suggested that Israel was aware of the negotiations.
A senior Israeli diplomat affirmed the talks in an interview, praising Trump for putting pressure on Hamas rather than Israel. “If the White House wants to deal with Hamas to secure the release of more hostages, we fully support that,” he said.
Trump also addressed the people of Gaza directly, warning them that a better future lies ahead, but only if they stop holding hostages. He stressed, “If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
Trump has a previous vision for Gaza, referring to it as an opportunity for development, likening it to the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, Hamas responded to Trump’s comments, stating they could jeopardize the ongoing ceasefire and hostage agreement.
A Hamas spokesperson mentioned that Trump’s remarks could complicate the ceasefire discussions, suggesting that they give Israel an excuse to avoid fulfilling the agreement.
The spokesperson insisted that Hamas has met its obligations under the agreement, urging the US to press Israel to comply with its commitments.
Recently, Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, following Hamas’s rejection of an Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire, which lacked guarantees for an end to the conflict or troop withdrawals.
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