President Donald Trump has issued a stern “last warning” to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza. This ultimatum follows the White House’s confirmation of unprecedented direct talks between the US and the militant group, marking a significant shift from the long-standing policy of avoiding direct engagement.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “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.” He described Hamas as “sick and twisted” for holding onto the bodies of victims. The statement came after Trump met with eight former hostages at the White House, reaffirming his unwavering support for Israel and pledging to provide the country with “everything it needs to finish the job.”
The direct talks between US officials and Hamas took place in Doha, Qatar, facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. This marks the first known engagement since Hamas was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 1997. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump authorized the talks to prioritize American interests, stating, “Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something the president believes in.”
The discussions, led by Adam Boehler, Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, focused on securing the release of American hostages and exploring ways to end the conflict without Hamas retaining power in Gaza. While no immediate progress was reported, a Hamas official described the talks as “promising.”
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, with Trump signaling reluctance to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into extending the truce if Hamas rejects a new proposal. The plan, brokered by US envoy Steve Witkoff, demands the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension but excludes the release of Palestinian prisoners, a key element in past agreements.
Trump’s meeting with former hostages highlighted the human toll of the crisis, as he listened to their harrowing experiences and reiterated his commitment to bringing all captives home.
