(The Post News)– In a severe ultimatum to Hamas, President Donald Trump has called for the immediate release of all hostages being held in Gaza. The White House revealed that the Biden administration had initiated direct discussions with the militant group, a major departure from the prior policy of avoiding cooperation with classified terrorist organizations. He made the statement on his Truth Social platform.
Trump urged Hamas to release Israeli captives “now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies or it will be the end of Gaza,” emphasising that if the demands are not met, there will be ramifications”. The post also included a direct message to Hamas leadership, urging them to leave Gaza while they still had the chance. “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza,” he said.
Trump’s comments represent the latest in a series of tough statements he’s made regarding the hostages. Back in December, before officially taking office, he warned that there would be “all hell to pay” if hostages were not released by his inauguration.
The president’s rhetoric has grown more forceful in recent weeks as the situation in Gaza continues to evolve. Following a meeting at the White House with recently released hostages, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the US had begun direct negotiations with Hamas. Leavitt emphasised that these talks were undertaken in consultation with Israeli officials, with the goal of securing the release of remaining hostages. Leavitt stated that President Trump believed in doing what was best for the American people, and that Special Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler’s work in achieving these conversations constituted a “good faith effort” by the government.
Reports indicate that two direct meetings have taken place between US officials and Hamas representatives, with communication beginning earlier in the process. A Palestinian source cited by the BBC noted that these discussions were held in Qatar. However, details about the content of the talks remain scarce.
The shift in US policy marks a notable departure from the stance taken under previous administrations. While the Biden White House had previously avoided direct contact with Hamas given the US government’s classification of the group as a terrorist organisation. Trump’s administration appears to have adopted a more direct approach to resolving the hostage crisis.
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