On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, with destruction if they do not release Israeli prisoners held in the Gaza Strip. He vowed that “any member of Hamas is not safe.”
Trump addressed Hamas in a post on his social media platform, “Truth Social,” stating: “Release all the hostages now, not later, and immediately return the bodies of those you killed, or your time is up.”
In his remarks, following a meeting with several former Israeli prisoners at the White House, Trump declared, “Only the sick and deranged keep bodies, and you are sick and deranged.”
Continuing his speech directed at Hamas, Trump said: “I just met with your former hostages whose lives you destroyed. This is your last warning,” adding that “I am sending Israel everything they need to finish the job, and no member of Hamas will be safe.”
Trump demanded that Hamas leaders leave the Gaza Strip: “While you still have the chance,” adding: “To the people of Gaza, I say that a bright future awaits you, but not if you hold hostages. If you keep hostages, you are dead! Make the right decision.”
He reiterated his demands for the release of Israeli prisoners held by the resistance in Gaza, warning that “the price will be hell later,” as he expressed.
This comes after confirmation from the White House regarding direct discussions between the U.S. administration and Hamas, following media reports from Israeli and U.S. outlets about the talks.
White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt told reporters that the Trump administration had held discussions with Hamas, and that “the talks are ongoing.”
She added, “The special envoy involved in Gaza negotiations has the authority to speak with anyone, and consultations were held with Israel regarding this matter.”
The news of U.S. talks with Hamas has caused an uproar within the Israeli government, with criticisms rising. The office of the Israeli Prime Minister said: “We have expressed our position regarding direct U.S. talks with Hamas.”
