US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Hamas, issuing a “last warning” on Wednesday demanding the immediate release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump threatened that if the hostages, including 24 living captives and 35 dead bodies, were not returned, there would be severe consequences for Hamas.
“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,” Trump declared. He added that if hostages were not freed, there would be “hell to pay.” Trump also addressed Gaza civilians, warning, “a beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are dead.”
This statement followed the White House’s confirmation that Trump had dispatched an envoy for direct, unprecedented talks with Hamas—an entity the US has refrained from engaging with directly since it was designated a terrorist organization in 1997. Adam Boehler, Trump’s nominee for Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, led the discussions. Although the White House declined to provide specifics on the talks, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the initiative was “in the best interest of the American people,” especially concerning the US citizens being held by Hamas, including Edan Alexander.
Leavitt confirmed that Israel was consulted before the talks took place, and the Israeli Prime Minister’s office acknowledged the discussions. “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas,” a statement read.
Hamas officials, in communication with the Associated Press, described the talks, which occurred last month, as focusing on the release of hostages and the potential to end the war without Hamas remaining in power in Gaza. However, no progress was made in the discussions, though the talks were seen as “promising” by Hamas officials, who indicated that further talks are anticipated.
Currently, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains uncertain. Israel has proposed a plan, backed by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which involves Hamas releasing half of its remaining hostages in exchange for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. The first phase of the ceasefire would be extended until mid-April. Hamas, however, has criticized Israel’s blockade of aid and food supplies into Gaza and insists that negotiations for a ceasefire’s second phase should begin immediately.
These high-stakes talks signal a significant shift in US policy, marking the first direct engagement with Hamas after decades of non-engagement. As hostages remain in the balance, the international community watches closely to see whether this new approach can lead to a resolution.
