Trump Demands Immediate Release of Hostages Held by Hamas  

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening severe consequences if the remaining hostages are not released immediately.

This was made known in a statement shared on Trump Truth Social platform, “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. This is your last warning!,” Trump warns.

Trump also addressed the people of Gaza, stating, “A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!” His comments came after a meeting with freed hostages and amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier warned of “consequences that you cannot imagine” if Hamas does not hand over the remaining hostages seized in the October 7 attack. The first phase of a ceasefire ended over the weekend, and Israel has ramped up pressure on Hamas by halting the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as “catastrophic” by France, Britain, and Germany, who have urged Israel to ensure the “unhindered” delivery of aid. South Africa has also accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war.

Also, the United States has confirmed direct talks with Hamas, with the US envoy on hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, discussing American hostages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, saying, “Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president” believes is right.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Hamas to take Trump’s threats seriously, saying, “He doesn’t say these things and not mean it, as folks are finding out around the world. If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it.”

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