Trump says Hamas will be 'over' unless it releases all hostages
President Trump on Wednesday issued a warning to Hamas to release its remaining hostages after the White House held direct talks with the group officially designated as a terrorist organization.
“’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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president also said he is sending Israel resources to end the war in the Middle East, calling the warning the last he would be issuing.
“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!” he said.
Trump’s directive for Hamas to leave Gaza is related to his proposal for all Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip and for a United States takeover of the territory.
Israeli officials had earlier floated exile for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, before he was killed by the Israeli military.
It's unclear, however, which country Hamas officials or members of the armed group could travel to. Arab countries have rejected accepting Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, and while Qatar hosts Hamas officials, it’s not clear it would facilitate their relocation.
The White House said earlier Wednesday that the president’s envoys have authority to “talk to anyone” when it confirmed that Trump’s special envoy is engaged in negotiations with Hamas.
“Israel was consulted on this matter. 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 has proven, what he believes is good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
The office of Israel’s prime minister said in a statement that Israel has expressed its position to the U.S. regarding direct talks with Hamas but did not indicate what that position is.
Laura Kelly contributed.
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