WASHINGTON, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas, warning the group to release hostages held in Gaza or face severe consequences.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump vowed to provide Israel with “everything it needs to finish the job” and declared that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if the captives are not freed.
The warning comes just hours after the White House confirmed it has been holding direct negotiations with Hamas—an unusual diplomatic move given the longstanding US policy against engaging with groups it designates as terrorist organizations.
Trump’s post contained a series of threats directed not only at Hamas leaders but also at the civilian population in Gaza.
“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 wrote.
“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he added.
His message also carried an ominous warning to ordinary Gazans: “A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
This is not the first time Trump has issued threats to Hamas. In December, he warned that there would be “all hell to pay” if hostages were not freed before he took office.
Despite Trump’s confrontational rhetoric, his administration has taken the rare step of engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that US officials have been working to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens.
Adam Boehler, the US special envoy for hostages, has led the discussions, which reportedly took place in Qatar, where Hamas has maintained a political office since 2012.
According to a Palestinian source quoted by the BBC, at least two meetings have already occurred, following prior communications.
The negotiations, first reported by Axios, are said to focus not only on securing the release of American hostages but also on a broader agreement to end the war in Gaza.
The Israeli government has acknowledged the US talks but has not publicly detailed its position. “Israel has expressed its position,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, without elaborating.
Mick Mulroy, a former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and ex-CIA paramilitary officer, warned that any US-led negotiations must be carefully coordinated with Israel to avoid complicating efforts to retrieve Israeli hostages.
Qatar, a key US ally that hosts a major American airbase, has played a central role in past negotiations involving Hamas, including efforts to broker ceasefires.
The Gulf nation’s diplomatic ties with both the US and Hamas make it a crucial intermediary in the latest discussions.
Israel estimates that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. Among them are several American citizens.
