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'Release hostages or it's OVER for you': Trump's ultimatum to Hamas
Trump has issued a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all living hostages and the bodies of those they "murdered."
US President Donald Trump has issued a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all living hostages and the bodies of those they "murdered."
“'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. 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. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” he wrote in a Truth Social post on Wednesday.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, 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!”
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The message comes after Adam Boehler, nominated to be special presidential envoy for hostage affairs at the State Department, met with Hamas representatives in Doha, Axios reported.
“When it comes to the negotiations that you’re referring to, first of all, the special envoy who’s engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday when asked about the reported talks. “Israel was consulted on this matter.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying: “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.”
The meeting comes as Israel and Hamas explore extending their six-week ceasefire, which expired on Sunday.
(With inputs from Bloomberg)
