Hamas has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump after he issued a stern warning on social media. Trump called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and the return of bodies. He threatened that it would be "OVER" for Hamas if they didn't comply. Trump labeled Hamas as "sick and twisted" for keeping the bodies of those killed in the conflict. He also pledged to send Israel "everything it needs to finish the job," referring to military support.
Trump's stern warning to Hamas demands the immediate release of hostages and threatens dire consequences if they fail to comply.
In response, Hamas accused Trump of encouraging Israel to ignore ceasefire terms. They argued that his threats make it harder to reach an agreement on a ceasefire. Hamas claimed that Trump's words might push Israel to avoid fulfilling the terms of the ceasefire. They urged the U.S. to pressure Israel into engaging in the second phase of the ceasefire deal. Hamas emphasized their commitment to the fragile ceasefire currently in place.
This situation comes as the U.S. has confirmed direct talks with Hamas for the first time. These discussions focused on American hostages and the potential end of the war. Adam Boehler, Trump's nominee for hostage envoy, led these talks in Doha, Qatar. A Hamas official called the talks "promising" and expressed hope for more discussions in the future.
As for the ceasefire, the first phase has recently expired, and a new U.S. plan for a second phase has been proposed. However, Hamas has rejected this new proposal, insisting on sticking to an earlier agreement made in January. The first phase of the ceasefire has expired, and Israel has halted aid flows to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas. The continuation of the ceasefire remains uncertain.
Hamas is believed to hold 24 living hostages, including one American, and the bodies of 34 others. They released 25 Israeli hostages and 8 bodies during the first phase. Ceasefire negotiations are critical for Hamas as they seek to leverage hostages as a significant bargaining chip in negotiations. Hostages are a significant bargaining chip for Hamas in negotiations.
