US President Donald Trump met with a group of released individuals at the White House regarding the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
“Release all hostages now, not later, and return the bodies of all your dead immediately, otherwise you will be finished. [...] I will give Israel all the means to finish the job; as long as you do not do what I say, no member of Hamas will be safe,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“This is your last warning! As for the [Hamas] leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you can. I also appeal to the people of Gaza: a wonderful future awaits you, but not while you hold hostages. If you continue like this, you will die. Make a smart decision. Release the hostages now, or the consequences will be hell later,” he added.
This is not Trump's first threat to Hamas. At the beginning of February, when Hamas threatened to stop releasing hostages, Trump stated that in such a case, a “real hell would begin” for them.
At that time, Hamas representatives indicated that there was no point in talking with threats, as it would only complicate the situation.
Previously, the White House confirmed that the US was negotiating with Hamas regarding hostages. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that consultations had taken place before negotiations with Israel began.
According to BBC sources, there have been two meetings between Hamas and US representatives. The publication's correspondent Paul Adams noted that these contacts could be described as unusual but unprecedented. The US had not directly cooperated with Hamas, which was designated as a terrorist group by Washington back in 1997.
According to agency reports, there was another meeting last April to discuss the issue of American hostages with representatives of the Biden administration.
A Hamas member and Red Cross worker during the release of hostages in Rafah, February 22
The Israeli side emphasizes that 59 people are still being held hostage in Gaza, at least 24 of whom are reported to have been killed. Among the hostages are several US citizens.
Axios was the first to report on the negotiations between Washington representatives and Hamas. According to its information, the parties met to discuss the fate of the hostages held in Qatar, as well as a broader agreement to cease hostilities.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that it had “expressed its position” regarding the negotiations, but no further details were provided.
