Washington, D.C: US President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza, warning that failure to comply will lead to severe consequences.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at the Palestinian militant group, calling them “sick and twisted” for keeping hostages and refusing to return bodies of those killed. “Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all 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.
His remarks come after the White House confirmed direct US-Hamas negotiations over the hostage crisis. Until recently, the US had refrained from direct talks with Hamas, which has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department since 1997.
Trump also called on Hamas leaders to leave Gaza, insisting that their departure would pave the way for peace. “‘Shalom Hamas’ means hello and goodbye – you can choose,” he said, adding that “a beautiful future awaits” the people of Gaza if Hamas steps aside.
The former president pledged full support to Israel, vowing to provide everything necessary to “finish the job.” He warned Hamas leaders that “not a single member will be safe” if they do not comply with his demands.
