Former US President Demands Immediate Hostage Release or Face Dire Consequences
Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to both Hamas and the people of Gaza, threatening severe consequences if the remaining Israeli hostages are not released. He labelled this statement as a “final warning” on his Truth Social platform, urging Hamas leaders to leave Gaza while they still have the opportunity. He further addressed the people of Gaza, saying, “A bright future awaits you, but not if you keep holding hostages. If you continue, you are DEAD! Make a wise choice.”
Trump’s comments followed a meeting with six former hostages who were freed under a recently expired ceasefire agreement. He warned Hamas that Israel would receive all the necessary support to finish the operation and that no Hamas member would be safe if the hostages are not released.
This threat comes after a similar warning from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who announced that Gaza’s gates would be closed, with the “gates of hell” set to open. The urgency follows the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on 7 October 2023 following a deadly Hamas attack. Over 48,000 Palestinians have died in the ensuing Israeli retaliation, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The US and Israel are pressuring Hamas to extend the ceasefire and release all hostages. Around 60 hostages remain, including 24 alive, with the bodies of 35 others still held in Gaza. In response, Israel has halted aid to Gaza, threatening further sanctions if Hamas does not comply with the US demands.
International bodies, including the UK, France, and Germany, have expressed discontent over Israel’s decision to cut aid, stating that humanitarian assistance should not be used as a political tool. Meanwhile, the White House continues direct talks with Hamas, although these discussions remain sensitive due to the group’s status as a foreign terrorist organisation since 1997.
Trump has also suggested that the US should take control of Gaza post-conflict, proposing a plan to displace its Palestinian residents, an idea that critics argue could lead to ethnic cleansing.
The tension has escalated following controversy over the return of remains that were falsely attributed to a kidnapped mother, Shiri Bibas, adding further anger to the already volatile situation.