US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding they release Israeli hostages or face severe consequences. This ultimatum was shared on social media shortly after the White House disclosed that US officials had engaged in direct talks with Hamas, a significant shift from the US’s long-standing policy of not negotiating with groups labeled as terrorists.
Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the US since 1997, which has historically prevented any direct dialogue. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that discussions had taken place between US officials and Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar. While she did not reveal the specifics of these talks, she noted that Israel had been consulted.
Trump’s warning came just hours after these discussions. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is your last warning.” He urged Hamas to release all hostages immediately and return the bodies of those who had been killed. He characterized those who hold onto bodies as “sick and twisted” and declared that the US would support Israel in taking decisive action against Hamas if the demands were not met.
In his message on Truth Social, Trump expressed concern for American lives at stake and underscored the importance of dialogue in protecting US interests. He also met with previously freed Israeli hostages, which he referenced in his post, urging Hamas leadership to leave Gaza while they still could.
Israel currently estimates that about 24 hostages are still alive in Gaza, including an American citizen named Edan Alexander, along with the bodies of at least 35 others. The discussions between the US and Hamas occur against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, whose future remains uncertain.
The US’s change in approach comes amid ongoing violence, with fighting in Gaza having paused since January 19. An earlier hostage exchange saw Hamas release 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in return for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The situation continues to evolve, and as Trump and US officials push for action, the stakes remain high for both sides.