On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump sent Hamas what he described as a “last warning” to free the Israeli hostages that are being held in the Gaza Strip. Trump made a long message on his Truth Social platform that read, “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.”
His post was made just hours after the White House announced that Trump had sent an envoy to hold previously unheard-of direct negotiations with Hamas. Since 1997, Washington has abstained from direct contact with the militant group as part of its long-standing policy of avoiding dealing with organizations that are classified as terrorist organizations in the United States.
Trump said there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages—which include the bodies of 35 people and 24 alive hostages—were not freed in his statement. A beautiful future awaits the people of Gaza, but not if you hold hostages,” he also said to civilians in the Strip. You’re dead if you do.
Through Adam Boehler, Trump’s choice for special envoy for hostage affairs, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the United States has held “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas officials.
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