Release All Hostages Or It Is OVER for You: Trump's 'Last Warning' to Hamas

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has issued a ‘last warning’ to Hamas, asking the terrorist group to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, both dead and alive, or else it would be ‘over’ for them. This warning comes amid talks between Israel and Hamas, to move to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. 

Release All Hostages Now or It Is Over for You: Trump's Last Warning to Hamas

Trump's last warning to Hamas came via a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, after he met with eight former hostages at the White House. In a stern, sharply-worded message, the US President said, “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!” He further said that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job".

Also Read: Trump Administration Holds 'Secret' Talks with Hamas on US Hostages Held in Gaza: Report

US President Holds ‘Talks and Discussions’ With Hamas Officials

Trump’s sharp remarks came after the White House announced Wednesday that U.S. officials had been involved in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas leaders, marking a departure from the long-standing US policy of avoiding direct communication with the militant group. It is the first known instance of direct engagement between the US and Hamas since the State Department labeled the group a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.

Also Read: 'Enough of War!': Hamas Releases Heart-Wrenching Hostage Video Calling for Ceasefire, Israel Rejects it as 'Propaganda'

Details about the conversation between the US officials and Hamas have not been provided, but it has been specified that Israel is aware of this direct engagement and it has been taken into consideration that "American lives are at stake". In a statement, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “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.”

Acknowledging the discussions between the United States and Hamas, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.” Israeli officials have claimed that about 24 living hostages including an American citizen, Edan Alexander, are still held in Gaza. According to the officials, bodies of at least 35 other Israeli hostages are also held by Hamas.

(Inputs from AP)