President Donald Trump has issued a strong demand for Hamas to release the remaining hostages, warning that there will be serious consequences if they do not comply. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called this his "last warning" to the group, emphasizing that everyone wants the hostages to come home and for the ongoing conflict to end.
Trump stated that Israel has accepted his terms for negotiation, and he urged Hamas to do the same. He has previously warned Hamas about the potential fallout if they refuse to release the hostages. "This is my last warning, there will not be another one!" he declared.
Currently, there are about 20 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza, but Trump expressed concern that some may have died recently. He mentioned that at least 30 people are confirmed dead and that negotiations for their release will be challenging, likely requiring significant concessions from Israel.
As pressure mounts from the White House, Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza. Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Avichay Adraee has advised residents of Gaza City to evacuate in anticipation of airstrikes targeting areas linked to Hamas.
The situation escalated further when Hamas released footage of two hostages, which sparked outrage in Israel regarding how the group is handling those in captivity. The footage included a plea from one hostage for his release and images of another on the day he was taken.
The complex dynamics of this conflict continue to unfold, with the plight of the hostages at the forefront of international attention.