U.S. President Donald Trump has issued what he calls a “final warning” to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
“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 declared in a Truth Social post late Wednesday.
His statement followed a surprising announcement from the White House confirming that the U.S. was engaged in direct talks with Hamas regarding the remaining hostages—marking a shift from the longstanding U.S. policy of avoiding direct contact with groups designated as terrorist organizations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Israel was consulted before the discussions.
Earlier that day, Trump met with hostages recently released under a ceasefire agreement. Reflecting on the meeting, he stated, “I have just met with your former hostages whose lives you have destroyed.” He vowed full military support for Israel, warning Hamas: “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.”
Trump also urged Hamas leaders to leave Gaza while they “still have the chance.” Addressing Gaza’s civilian population, he warned: “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!”
This is not Trump’s first threat against Hamas. In December, he warned of severe consequences if hostages were not freed before he took office. Reports also surfaced in February suggesting he considered pushing for the cancellation of the existing ceasefire deal.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio advised Hamas to take Trump’s threats seriously. “People don’t realize the President meets with these people, he hears their stories; he’s outraged and rightfully so,” Rubio said on Fox News. He added that Trump is deeply disturbed by Hamas’s treatment of hostages, citing distressing videos of emaciated captives and mishandled remains.
The Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and kidnapping 251. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign to dismantle Hamas. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 48,440 people have died in the region since then.
After months of U.S.-, Egyptian-, and Qatari-brokered negotiations, a ceasefire was reached in January, leading to the release of some hostages. However, Israel reports that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. Hamas has accused Trump of encouraging Israel to violate the ceasefire.
The conflict has persisted for 15 months, despite previous failed attempts at ceasefires. The latest agreement was mediated by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who held separate meetings with Hamas and Israeli representatives.
