Washington, March 5, 2025 (NAN) – US President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that he is “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” and warned that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if the hostages are not freed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The warning follows the White House’s confirmation that the US is engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas regarding the hostages—an unprecedented move given Washington’s long-standing policy of not dealing directly with groups it designates as terrorist organizations.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Direct Threats
Trump’s message included a harsh warning to Hamas leadership: “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 advised Hamas leaders to flee Gaza while they “still have a chance.”
His post extended a controversial statement to Gaza’s civilians, warning, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
This is not the first time Trump has issued threats toward Hamas. In December, he warned that there would be “all hell to pay” if hostages were not released by the time he assumed office.
US Direct Talks With Hamas Confirmed
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the US has been in direct negotiations with Hamas over the hostages, stating that Israel had been consulted before the talks began. The discussions are led by Adam Boehler, the US special envoy for hostages, as part of what the administration describes as a “good faith effort” to secure American lives.
A Palestinian source told the BBC that two direct meetings have already taken place, following several rounds of prior communication. Reports suggest that Boehler recently met with Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar—a key mediator in past regional conflicts.
Hostage Crisis and Israel’s Response
Israel reports that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive, including US citizens. Israel’s government acknowledged the US talks but has not disclosed further details.
A former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Mick Mulroy, expressed concerns over potential complications, warning that direct US-Hamas talks “could complicate the Israelis’ ability to get their citizens back if not tightly coordinated.”
Qatar’s Role in Mediation
Qatar, a key US ally, has been instrumental in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as well as previous diplomatic efforts involving Iran, the Taliban, and Russia. The Gulf state has hosted Hamas leadership in Doha since 2012, reportedly at the request of the Obama administration.
The hostage crisis and ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict remain critical foreign policy challenges for the Trump administration, with pressure mounting on both sides to negotiate a resolution.
