Trump issues 'last warning' to Hamas to release all hostages
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has given a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. The announcement came soon after the White House confirmed direct negotiations with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the US since 1997. In his Truth Social message, Trump said: "Release all of the hostages now...and immediately return all of the dead bodies...or it is OVER for you."
Policy shift
US breaks tradition, engages in direct talks with Hamas
The ongoing negotiations represent a major shift from the US's usual policy of not engaging in direct talks with terrorist organizations. However, exceptions have been made in the past, including negotiations with the Taliban under both Obama and Trump administrations. When asked about the talk with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Adam Boehler, Trump's choice for hostage envoy, is authorized to engage in these discussions and that Israel was consulted on this matter.
Mixed reactions
Israel's stance and Hamas's response to Trump's ultimatum
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office had conveyed its position to the US regarding direct talks with Hamas but didn't specify if it was aware or what its position was. A senior Israeli diplomat lauded Trump's approach, saying it puts pressure on Hamas instead of Israel. "We will be very happy to see more hostages with their families," Ofir Akunis, Israel's consul general in New York, said.
Hamas
Hamas slams Trump's comments
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem slammed Trump's comments, saying they could risk the Gaza ceasefire and complicate ongoing negotiations. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told CNN that the group had fulfilled its first-phase obligations under the US-brokered agreement, but the Israeli government is "evading negotiations for the second phase." He asked the US to press Israel to enter the second phase, "as stipulated in the agreement."
Rising tensions
Trump's plan for Gaza
Trump has previously stated that he sees Gaza as a "big real estate site" with opportunities for development, and that he envisions Gaza becoming the "Riviera of the Middle East." On Tuesday, his administration turned down a $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Arab leaders. "The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live...in debris and unexploded ordnance," National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.