Hamas has dismissed President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to release Israeli hostages, asserting that such actions will only occur in exchange for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Trump’s stern warning threatened severe consequences if the hostages and the bodies of deceased individuals were not freed promptly.
Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, warning: “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!”
The tension arises amidst stalled negotiations following a ceasefire agreement reached in January, which encompassed the release of hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. While initial phases saw some exchanges, progress has halted, leading Israel to cut off essential supplies to Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua stated that negotiations are the most effective way to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, a process that was set to begin in early February but has only seen limited preliminary discussions so far.
The ongoing conflict, which began after a Hamas attack in 2023, has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides and left many Palestinians in Gaza displaced and reliant on international aid. The United Nations has warned that funding cuts are severely impacting humanitarian efforts globally.
