Trump Issues Final Warning To Hamas Amid U.S. Talks With Militant Group
In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. His message, posted on Truth Social, warned that failure to comply would result in dire consequences.
“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 wrote. He pledged unwavering support for Israel, stating, “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
This announcement came just hours after the White House confirmed it was engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas—an unusual move given the longstanding U.S. policy of not engaging with groups it designates as terrorist organizations. Axios first reported the talks, marking a significant shift in diplomatic strategy.
U.S.-Hamas Talks Spark Debate
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s decision to engage with Hamas. “The special envoy who’s engaged in these negotiations has the authority to talk to anyone,” she said, referring to Trump’s appointee, Adam Boehler.
She added that Israel was consulted on the matter, though the Israeli government issued a vague statement, simply acknowledging that it had expressed its position on the talks. It remains unclear whether Israel was informed beforehand or learned of the negotiations afterward.
Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, cautiously endorsed the move, telling Fox Business, “Instead of putting Israel under pressure, President Trump is putting Hamas under pressure, and this is the right thing to do.”
Hamas Pushes Back
Hamas responded swiftly, criticizing Trump’s aggressive stance. Spokesperson Hazem Qassem warned that the president’s remarks could jeopardize ongoing ceasefire negotiations. “These comments will complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement,” he told CNN.
Hamas maintains that it has upheld its commitments in the first phase of a U.S.-brokered deal, accusing Israel of stalling negotiations for the second phase. The group urged Washington to pressure Israel into fulfilling its obligations.
Aid Blockade Raises Humanitarian Concerns
Tensions escalated further when Israel blocked all humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire. Israel’s foreign ministry accused Hamas of exploiting aid deliveries to “rebuild its war machine.”
The move has alarmed international aid organizations. The United Nations has warned that if aid is not restored, critical community kitchens could shut down, leaving many without food. The UN Population Fund also expressed grave concerns over the impact on women and children.
Foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement urging Israel to honor its legal obligations and allow aid into Gaza. “Lifesaving aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or exploited as a political tool,” they asserted.
ICC War Crimes Charges Loom Over Conflict
As the situation intensifies, legal pressure mounts. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes, including “starvation as a method of warfare.”
With hostages still in captivity, diplomatic tensions rising, and humanitarian conditions worsening, the world watches anxiously as the crisis in Gaza unfolds.
