President Donald Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of all hostages still held in Gaza.
In a post on X, Trump described the situation as urgent, saying that Hamas should not delay the release of the hostages or the bodies of those killed. He condemned their actions, calling them “sick and twisted” for holding on to the bodies of victims.
“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! ” he wrote.
This message came shortly after Trump met with eight former hostages at the White House.
In the statement, Trump made it clear that he was sending Israel all the support it needed to “finish the job,” referring to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. “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,” he wrote.
His remarks followed confirmation from the White House that US officials had engaged in direct talks with Hamas representatives, breaking with the long-standing US policy of not negotiating with the group. These talks, which took place in Qatar, are the first known direct engagement between the US and Hamas since the group was designated a foreign terrorist organisation in 1997.
According to Associated Press, the White House has not disclosed the details of the discussions but emphasised that the US is working in the best interest of its people. Israeli officials were reportedly consulted, and their position on the talks has been made clear.
Israeli officials report that approximately 24 hostages, including American citizen Edan Alexander, are still alive in Gaza, while the bodies of at least 35 others are also believed to be held there.
Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, led the talks. He is known for his role in the Abraham Accords, which aimed to strengthen Israel’s ties with Arab nations.