U.S. President Donald Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza and the return of the bodies of those killed in the conflict.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday night, Trump threatened to support Israel with the necessary equipment needed to wipe out the group if they failed to heed his warning.
“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,” he wrote.
“I will send 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 added.
Trump’s warning came shortly after meeting with eight freed hostages at the White House on Wednesday.
His comments came just hours after the U.S. confirmed reports by Axios news that it was negotiating directly with Hamas, a group it designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997, about hostages and the Gaza ceasefire.
The move goes against the U.S. tradition of not talking to groups it considers terrorist organisations. However, both the Obama and Trump administrations negotiated with the Taliban, which was designated a terrorist organisation in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
It also comes as international aid and rights groups demand Israel ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza after the country stopped all aid into the enclave to pressure Hamas into accepting new terms for an extension of the ceasefire agreement.
During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision to speak with Hamas, noting that the hostage negotiations were conducted under the authority of Special Envoy Adam Boehler.
“Israel was consulted on this matter,” Leavitt said. “The president believes in taking good faith efforts to protect the American people.”
The Israeli government acknowledged the U.S. discussions with Hamas but did not disclose whether it was informed beforehand or what stance it took. However, a source told CNN that Israel was aware of the talks.
Trump also addressed Gazans directly, saying, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
Hamas, responding to Trump’s statement, said it could disrupt ceasefire efforts.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told CNN that the comments “complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement” and could make Israel avoid further negotiations.
Qassem stated that Hamas had fulfilled its obligations under the first phase of the U.S.-brokered deal but accused Israel of stalling on the next phase. He called on the U.S. to pressure Israel into advancing negotiations.
As ceasefire talks continue to stall, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, citing concerns that Hamas exploits relief efforts to rebuild its military capabilities. However, this move has drawn condemnation from international organizations and governments.
The United Nations warned that aid shortages could have catastrophic consequences, with at least 80 community kitchens at risk of shutting down and severe impacts on women and girls.
Also, the foreign ministers of the U.K., France, and Germany on Wednesday urged Israel to comply with international law and allow aid into Gaza.