Trump’s Warning to Hamas: A Final Ultimatum
Trump’s warning to Hamas was direct and severe as the US President issued a strong statement, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. He warned that failure to comply would lead to catastrophic consequences for Hamas and the people of Gaza.
On Wednesday, Trump explicitly declared that if hostages were not released, “Gaza is dead.” He emphasized his administration’s full support for Israel, promising to provide everything necessary to “finish the job” while accelerating billions of dollars in weaponry to aid the Israeli military.
In a post on the Truth Social platform following a meeting with freed hostages, Trump wrote, “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.”
He further added, “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance.”
Trump’s Warning to Hamas: US Engages in Rare Direct Talks
The US has now engaged in direct talks with Hamas, a rare move considering Washington’s long-standing policy of avoiding direct engagement with the group since designating it a terrorist organization in 1997.
US hostage envoy Adam Boehler led these discussions, focusing primarily on securing the release of American hostages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the move, stating, “Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president believes is right.”
Despite its historical opposition to direct negotiations with Hamas, the US confirmed that Boehler “has the authority to talk to anyone” to ensure the safety of American citizens.
Netanyahu’s Stern Message: Unimaginable Consequences Await
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s warning to Hamas, stating that if the remaining hostages were not released, there would be “consequences that you cannot imagine.” His remarks reinforced Israel’s commitment to continuing its military campaign until Hamas is fully neutralized.
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Ceasefire Ends, Leaving Uncertainty in Gaza
The first phase of a fragile ceasefire concluded over the weekend after six weeks of relative calm. During this time, Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. However, no agreement was reached for a second phase.
According to reports, five Americans are still believed to be among the hostages, with four confirmed dead. The conflict stems from Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in 1,218 deaths, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, which has so far claimed 48,440 lives, also primarily civilians.
Of the 251 hostages captured during the October 7 attack, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli military.
Trump’s Warning to Hamas: Global Response and Arab Nations’ Counterplan
Trump has proposed that the US and its allies take control of Gaza and remove its population, a controversial suggestion that has been met with widespread international criticism.
In contrast, Arab nations have put forward an alternative proposal focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction. The plan, outlined in a draft reviewed by AFP, includes a five-year roadmap with an estimated budget of $53 billion, equivalent to the UN’s projections for rebuilding the war-torn region.
The proposal also calls for a unified Palestinian leadership under the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) to curb Hamas’ influence and ensure stability in the region.
