By Washington, March 5 – US President Donald Trump has issued a final warning to Palestinian militant group Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. His strong message, delivered on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), follows confirmation from the White House that a US envoy has been sent to Qatar for direct negotiations with Hamas.
Trump’s Strong Message to Hamas
In a strongly worded statement, Trump wrote:
“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.”
Emphasizing that this was Hamas’ “last warning,” he added:
“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!”
US Envoy Sent for Direct Talks with Hamas
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had authorized direct engagement with Hamas via mediators in Qatar and Egypt. Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war, Egypt and Qatar have played key roles as intermediaries between the militant group, Israel, and the United States.
Leavitt justified the US decision to engage in talks, saying:
“Look, 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 a good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”
This marks the first known direct US engagement with Hamas since the US designated the group a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
Hostage Crisis in Gaza
According to Israeli authorities, Hamas is still holding approximately 24 hostages, including an American citizen. Additionally, the bodies of at least 35 other individuals remain in Hamas’ possession. Israel and the US have been pushing for the immediate release of all captives as part of ceasefire negotiations.
Trump’s Controversial ‘Gaza Plan’ Sparks Global Criticism
Trump has also proposed a radical redevelopment plan for Gaza, which has sparked widespread international outrage.
Last month, he suggested a plan to relocate Gaza’s 2 million residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan and transform the war-ravaged enclave into a luxury destination, calling it the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
To showcase his vision, Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting a futuristic, luxurious Gaza filled with skyscrapers, lavish resorts, and Trump-branded hotels.
However, the proposal has been met with strong opposition from the international community:
- European foreign ministers have condemned the idea, calling it illegal under international law.
- Middle Eastern nations, including Egypt and Jordan, have rejected the plan, making it clear they will not accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
Critics argue that forced displacement of Gaza’s population violates international law, and several human rights organizations have called the plan unrealistic and unethical.
Tensions Continue as War Rages On
As the Israel-Gaza war continues, the situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts failing to secure a ceasefire. With Trump pledging full military support to Israel, Hamas is under increasing pressure to release hostages.
Meanwhile, international mediators continue to push for a negotiated settlement, but with Trump’s aggressive stance and Israel’s ongoing military operations, the future of Gaza remains uncertain.
