Hamas has been threatened by US President Donald Trump with “hell to pay” if it does not free all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Trump warned that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say” and stated that he was giving Israel everything it needs to “finish the job” in a post on Truth Social late Wednesday night.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to eradicate the Palestinian terrorist organisation.
Hours after the White House announced it was having direct discussions with Hamas on the captives, Trump issued his order.
The US has a long-standing policy prohibiting direct interaction with groups it designates as terrorist outfits, and Washington has so far avoided any participation with the group.
“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,” the US president said.
“This is your last warning!”
Donald Trump’s threats on Hamas are hardly the first.
He warned that if captives were not freed by the time he assumed office in December of last year, there would be “all hell to pay.”
In what seemed to be a covert warning to the citizens of the beleaguered enclave, the president also reiterated his position on “rebuilding” Gaza.
“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he said.
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“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.”
Israel says there are still 59 hostages being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. US citizens are also among the captives.
The ceasefire reached in January, which saw both sides of the war swap hostages, is now in limbo after Hamas said it would only release the remaining prisoners if Israel ended the war.
