President Donald Trump has once again issued a stark warning to Hamas, urging them to release all hostages and return the bodies of those killed during the deadly October 7 terror attacks.
In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “Shalom Hamas means Hello and Goodbye—you can choose.
Release all hostages now and return the bodies of those you murdered, or it is OVER for you.”
The former president’s statement has sent shockwaves, especially as it follows news of U.S. negotiations with the group in an attempt to secure the release of American hostages.
U.S. Engages in Secret Talks with Hamas to Secure Hostages
This strong statement comes after the White House confirmed that U.S. officials have been involved in discreet talks with Hamas. U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has been given authority to engage directly with Hamas, despite the longstanding U.S. policy of not negotiating with terrorist groups.
While these discussions are reportedly taking place in Doha, Qatar, the talks are not directly between the U.S. and Hamas. Instead, they involve third-party Arab leaders acting as intermediaries.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that these talks are ongoing and aligned with the best interests of American citizens.
Trump Warns Gaza’s Leadership to Leave While They Still Have a Chance
Trump also directed a warning to Gaza’s leadership, urging them to leave the area “now […] while you still have a chance,” adding that those who continue to hold hostages will face severe consequences.
His repeated threats have stirred tension, particularly from those who view his language as a barrier to peace talks.
In his latest remarks, Trump warned that if Hamas fails to release the hostages, there will be “hell to pay later.”
His previous comments about a potential military response were also met with sharp criticism from Hamas.
Hamas Responds to Trump’s Threats, Claims They Hinder Negotiations
A spokesperson for Hamas, Sami Abu Zuhri, rejected Trump’s threats, arguing that such rhetoric makes the situation worse.
According to Zuhri, threats only complicate efforts to negotiate and bring an end to the war.
He emphasized that any solution should come from respecting agreements and engaging in dialogue, not through the language of threats.
Trump’s Controversial Vision for Gaza Post-War
As the conflict continues, Trump has also shared his vision for Gaza once the fighting ends.
In a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he proposed that the U.S. would take charge of rebuilding Gaza, promising a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
This plan has received mixed reactions, with critics fearing it could lead to a forcible displacement of Gaza’s population of over two million people.
A recent AI-generated video posted by Trump on his Truth Social account further fueled the controversy.
The video depicted an idealized future for Gaza, complete with Trump-branded resorts and extravagant imagery, sparking outrage on social media.
Some called it “horrifying” and “filth on a world stage,” while others argued it was time to take Trump’s plan seriously.
White House Defends Trump’s Vision for Gaza’s Future
Despite the backlash, the White House has defended Trump’s vision, claiming that the U.S. involvement in Gaza’s rebuilding will help improve conditions for Palestinians and offer a chance for a better future.
They insist that Trump’s plan is visionary and will allow for the creation of new, beautiful communities in Gaza, improving the region’s overall living conditions for generations to come.
Hostage Crisis and International Response
The ongoing hostage crisis, which has now extended beyond 500 days for some captives, continues to weigh heavily on the U.S. and Israel.
Reports indicate that 24 hostages are still alive in captivity, with the bodies of 35 others held by Hamas. T
he situation remains dire, with the international community, including both U.S. and Israeli officials, pressing for a resolution.
Trump’s public meetings with hostages released from captivity earlier this week underscore his commitment to bringing the remaining captives home.
While the legal and political intricacies of the situation continue to evolve, the future of Gaza and its people remains a source of immense global concern.