US President Donald Trump issued a “final warning” to Hamas, urging the Palestinian organization to free the remaining hostages in Gaza or “there will be consequences later.” Trump’s response followed the White House’s acknowledgment that the US engaged in direct discussions with the group regarding the hostages in the Palestinian territory.
Until recently, the US had steered clear of direct conversations with Hamas. In 1997, the US State Department classified Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization.
In a Truth Social post, Trump described Hamas as “sick and twisted” individuals for holding onto the bodies of hostages and failing to release them. He also advised the Hamas leadership to abandon Gaza, saying that “an amazing future lies ahead” for the residents there.
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means hello and goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is over for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! 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,” he said.
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“I have just met with your former hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: 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!” he said.
US-HAMAS TALKS
US special envoy for hostage matters Adam Boehler engaged in direct discussions with Hamas recently in Doha, a source stated, validating a report from Axios.
Prior to the discussions with Hamas, Israel had been consulted, stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, according to the BBC.
“Regarding the negotiations you’re mentioning, let me clarify that the special envoy involved in those talks indeed possesses the authority,” she stated.
As per the source, the discussions have centered on securing the freedom of American hostages still in Gaza, while also addressing a wider agreement for the release of all remaining hostages and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire.
