Trump issues ‘last warning’ to Hamas as US engages in direct talks over hostages

Donald Trump threatens Hamas, vows unwavering support for Israel

US President Donald Trump has issued what he termed a “last warning” to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared his full backing for Israel, stating:

“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.”

His remarks came just hours after the White House confirmed it is holding direct talks with Hamas regarding the hostages.

Trump’s ultimatum: ‘Hell to Pay’ if hostages aren’t released

In his statement, Trump warned Hamas of severe consequences if hostages were not freed, though he did not specify the 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.”

He also urged Hamas leaders to flee Gaza, saying:

“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance.”

Additionally, he issued a direct warning to civilians in Gaza, stating:

“A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

This is not the first time Trump has threatened Hamas. In December, he vowed that there would be “all hell to pay” if hostages were not released by the time he took office.

US engages in direct talks with Hamas

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the US has been negotiating directly with Hamas to secure the release of hostages. She stated that Israel was consulted prior to the talks.

According to Leavitt, the special hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, has been working on the issue as part of a “good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”

A Palestinian source said that there have been “two direct meetings” between Hamas and a US official, preceded by multiple communications.

Hostage situation in Gaza

Israel reports that 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. Among them are US citizens.

The direct US-Hamas talks were first reported by Axios, which revealed that the negotiations are taking place in Qatar, focusing on the release of US hostages and a potential broader deal to end the conflict.

US officials call for proactive measures

Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Mick Mulroy, stated that the US needs to be more proactive in securing the release of its citizens. However, he warned that these direct negotiations must be tightly coordinated with Israel, as they could otherwise complicate Israeli efforts to recover its own citizens.

Israel’s response to US-Hamas talks

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged the discussions, stating that it had “expressed its position” on the matter but provided no further details.

According to reports, Boehler met with Hamas representatives in Doha in recent weeks.

Qatar’s role in hostage negotiations

Qatar, a key US ally in the Middle East, has been hosting Hamas since 2012, reportedly at the request of the Obama administration. The Gulf state also plays a significant role in diplomatic negotiations, having previously mediated discussions with Iran, the Taliban, and Russia.

Alongside the US and Egypt, Qatar has been instrumental in efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Trump’s escalating rhetoric against Hamas signals a firm US stance in supporting Israel’s military actions. Meanwhile, Washington’s direct engagement with Hamas marks a significant shift in US policy, as the country has historically refrained from negotiating with groups it designates as terrorist organizations. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, but they could have a major impact on the ongoing conflict and hostage crisis.

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