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Trump Threatens Hamas Over Hostages
President Donald Trump has threatened Hamas with severe consequences, including death, if they do not immediately release all hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES 03.28.2020 Photo by Chief Petty Officer Mike DiMestico Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza, threatening to have them killed if hostages are not immediately released. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said, “'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.”
Trump met with eight hostages released from Gaza, including Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, and Noa Argamani. The administration is engaging in direct talks with Hamas over the release of U.S. hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.
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The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the talks and stated that Trump believes the dialogue is part of a "good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people." Leavitt added that "there are American lives at stake" and that Israel had been consulted.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem responded to Trump's comments, stating that "these threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation not to implement its terms." Qassem also mentioned that there is an agreement signed and mediated by Washington, which includes the release of all prisoners in three stages.
The six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended Saturday with no extension of peace negotiations in sight. Israel has reinstated a halt in the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and Hamas has accused Israel of violating their agreement.
The U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, proposed a plan to continue the first stage of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, but Hamas rejected the proposal. Netanyahu warned Hamas that if they do not release more hostages, “there will be consequences beyond your imagination.”
