Hamas Warns Trump Ultimatum Will ‘Encourage’ Israel To Abandon Gaza Ceasefire
(Photo/Alex Brandon)
Hamas warned that President Donald Trump’s Gaza hostage release ultimatum could torpedo the exchange process being undertaken as part of the current ceasefire agreement and “encourage” Israel to back out.
The ceasefire, brokered with U.S. support alongside Qatari and Egyptian mediators, has been in place since Jan. 19, allowing for an exchange of hostages and prisoners. But the second phase of negotiations has stalled.
In a social media post on Wednesday Trump addressed Hamas directly:
“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. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, 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!
Early Thursday, Hamas responded to the message through spokesman Hazem Qasim, alleging Trump’s hardline rhetoric is emboldening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to walk away from the deal.
“These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms,” Qasim reportedly said.
The timing of Trump’s threats raised eyebrows in Washington, coming just hours after the White House confirmed that the U.S. had begun direct talks with Hamas for the first time—a major diplomatic shift that bypasses Israel in pursuit of securing American hostages.
Israeli officials have largely kept quiet on the White House’s move, offering only a single-sentence statement confirming that “Israel has expressed to the U.S. its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.”
Hamas claims it has already held two meetings with U.S. officials in Doha, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denies that Netanyahu’s government has reneged on ceasefire commitments.
