Trump Claims Hostages Will Only Be Released If Hamas Is "Confronted and Destroyed"

Former President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the 50 hostages still held in Gaza would be released if Hamas were eliminated. He expressed this view on TRUTH Social, emphasizing that the sooner Hamas is confronted, the better the chances for the hostages’ safe return.

Trump’s comments came just a day after a large protest in Tel Aviv, where hundreds of thousands of Israelis rallied against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to escalate military action in Gaza. This protest was organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, where family members of the hostages voiced their demands for peace and the return of their loved ones. The demonstration featured strikes, business closures, and road blockages.

In his post, Trump reminded followers of his past success in negotiating the release of hostages. He urged action, stating, “Play to WIN, or don’t play at all!”

The backdrop to Trump’s remarks is Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel intends to fully take control of Gaza. This plan aims to remove Hamas from power and eventually establish a civilian government free from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu stressed the need for security and the desire to enable the population of Gaza to live without the threat of Hamas.

During an interview, Netanyahu explained that Israel does not seek to occupy Gaza permanently. Instead, he envisions handing control over to capable Arab leaders who can govern without posing a threat to Israel. He noted that many Palestinians are also looking to rid themselves of Hamas’s control, which has held both hostages and the general population in a state of fear.

Netanyahu also confirmed that Israeli forces currently occupy about 75% of the Gaza Strip and that plans are in place to secure Gaza City before the third anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7. Reports indicate that some residents of Gaza City have already begun to evacuate in anticipation of the ongoing military actions.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on the fate of the hostages and the broader implications for peace in the region.

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  • The American Drudge Report - Always Telling the Truth

    Susan Wright has spent two decades chasing the pulse of American life from an editor’s chair that never gets cold. She’s filed columns inside packed campaign buses, fact-checked policy briefs over takeout, and wrestled late-night copy until it told the truth. Her sweet spot: connecting the dots between Capitol Hill votes, kitchen-table worries, and the cultural undercurrents most headlines miss. Readers trust her for clear facts, sharp perspective, and a reminder that democracy isn’t a spectator sport. Off deadline, Susan pushes for media transparency and smarter civics—because knowing the rules is half the game, and she’s determined to keep the playbook open to everyone.