U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Hamas "sick and twisted" for keeping hostages and withholding the bodies of those killed. He emphasized that if Hamas fails to comply, there will be severe consequences, promising Israel full support to eliminate the group.This warning comes amid direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas regarding the release of hostages, a notable departure from past U.S. policy. Since 1997, Hamas has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, and American officials have traditionally avoided direct engagement with the group. However, recent developments have led to a shift in approach.
 

Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas and Support for Israel

Trump’s statement on Truth Social was direct and forceful. He accused Hamas of inhumanity for keeping both live hostages and bodies of those who have been killed. He urged Hamas leadership to leave Gaza while they still had a chance, warning that continued hostage-taking would lead to dire consequences.He also addressed the people of Gaza, suggesting that a better future was possible but not if hostages continued to be held. Trump’s message made it clear that he supports Israel’s military actions against Hamas and is willing to provide all necessary resources to ensure that Hamas is dismantled if the hostages are not released.
 

His statement read, “Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is over for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”Trump also referenced his meeting with former hostages, stating that their suffering was evidence of Hamas’s brutality. His post concluded with a warning: “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are dead! Make a smart decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
 

White House Confirms US-Hamas Talks as Ceasefire Negotiations Continue

Amid Trump’s strong remarks, the White House confirmed that direct negotiations have been taking place between U.S. officials and Hamas. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, had engaged in discussions with Hamas in Doha. These talks have primarily focused on securing the release of American hostages still held in Gaza but have also touched upon broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange arrangements.According to reports, Israel was consulted before these talks began, suggesting a coordinated approach between the U.S. and its ally. The discussions have aimed to facilitate a broader deal to free all remaining hostages and work towards a long-term ceasefire.
 

Negotiations on a ceasefire had previously led to a temporary agreement on January 19, halting 15 months of conflict. That ceasefire facilitated the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The expectation was that the ceasefire would pave the way for further peace negotiations, but talks have stalled, with no permanent agreement in sight.U.S. officials remain engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expected to return to the region in the coming days. His goal is to extend the current ceasefire agreement or transition to the next phase of negotiations.
 

Meanwhile, discussions are also taking place in Cairo, but they have yet to yield a breakthrough. Hamas has continued to hold out on additional concessions, while Israel has maintained its demand for the full release of hostages before agreeing to further ceasefire terms.Trump’s latest remarks add significant pressure on Hamas and reinforce U.S. commitment to Israel’s position. His strong rhetoric signals that should he return to power, his administration will adopt an even more aggressive stance against Hamas.As negotiations continue, the future of the ceasefire and hostage agreements remains uncertain. The world watches closely as diplomatic efforts unfold, with potential implications for the broader Middle East conflict and U.S. foreign policy in the region.