Trump Threatens to Support Israeli Strikes Unless Hamas Releases Hostages
President Trump told Hamas he will greenlight additional Israeli military strikes on Gaza unless the group releases its remaining hostages.
Why it matters: Trump’s ultimatum comes during direct negotiations in Doha between his envoy for hostages affairs Adam Boehler and Hamas officials in an effort to reach a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.
- Trump issued the ultimatum after a meeting with six hostages who were released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.
- Hamas is still holding 59 hostages in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed 35 are dead. Israeli intelligence believes 22 are still alive, and the status of two others is unknown.
- Among the remaining hostages are five Americans, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander who is believed to be alive.
Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas on Hostage Release
What they are saying: “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. 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 in a post on Truth Social.
- He called on Hamas to also return the bodies of dead hostages it is holding. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” he wrote.
- Trump told Hamas leaders in Gaza to leave the enclave “while they still have a chance and “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if the group doesn’t release the hostages. “This is your last warning!” he said.
- “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!” Trump wrote.
Trump’s Repeated Ultimatums to Hamas Following Election
Yes, but: Trump has issued several ultimatums to Hamas since he won the election. His most recent was last month when he demanded that Hamas release all hostages “by noon Saturday” or the ceasefire is over.
- The 42-day ceasefire that was part of the first phase of the Gaza deal expired on Saturday after the parties couldn’t reach an agreement on an extension.
About the Author
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). ~ Quran 49:13
