US president Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening severe consequences if Israeli captives held in Gaza are not released immediately.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump cautioned the group’s leadership to leave Gaza while they still “have a chance,” adding that “a beautiful future” awaits the Palestinian people only if they do not hold hostages.
“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he wrote. “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.”
His remarks came hours after the White House confirmed that indirect negotiations between Washington and Hamas were ongoing regarding the captives.
Trump has repeatedly called for the forced displacement of Gaza’s population and has suggested that the United States should “own” the Palestinian territory. It remains unclear how his vision for Gaza aligns with his past statements advocating for what has been widely described as ethnic cleansing.
He further pressed Hamas to return both living captives and the bodies of those killed, stating, “‘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! 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,” he added.
Trump’s statements come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces growing international pressure over its military campaign in Gaza. The United Nations and humanitarian organisations have condemned the blockade imposed on the enclave, which has restricted the entry of food, fuel, and medicine.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes, including accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war.
Hamas has previously stated that captives will only be released as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. While the first stage of a temporary truce ended last week, Israel has yet to agree to the next phase, which would entail a lasting ceasefire and the full release of hostages. Instead, Netanyahu’s government—backed by Trump—has sought to extend the initial phase to secure the release of more captives without committing to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
