Following a meeting with former Israeli hostages on Wednesday, President Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum to Hamas: Release all prisoners currently held in Gaza or “it’s OVER for you.”
“I am providing Israel with everything it needs to complete the mission; no Hamas member will be safe if you don’t comply,” Trump stated on social media.
Last month, Trump urged Hamas to release the hostages by February 15 or “all hell will break loose.” That deadline passed without action. This time, Trump is framing his ultimatum as the “final warning!”
“To the People of Gaza: A beautiful future lies ahead, but it will not happen if you continue to hold hostages. If you do, you are DOOMED!” Trump declared in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump made his ultimatum following a meeting with eight hostages recently released from Gaza: Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, and Noa Argamani, as per a White House statement.
The statement noted that Trump “listened closely to their emotional stories. The hostages expressed gratitude to President Trump for his unwavering efforts to secure the return of all hostages.”
Shortly thereafter, Trump shared his warning, stating, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You get to decide.”
“I have just met with your former hostages whose lives you have ruined,” Trump continued. “This is your final warning! For the leadership, now is the time to depart Gaza, while you still have an opportunity.”
Israel declared war on Hamas following the group’s attack on the country on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of more than 250 hostages.
Currently, Hamas is still detaining 59 hostages in Gaza, many of whom are presumed dead. A truce was established six weeks ago, but tensions have escalated in recent days. The agreement involved the gradual release of hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
During the initial phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 33 hostages, while Israel freed around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Now, both sides are at an impasse regarding the next steps. Israel halted aid trucks from entering Gaza on Sunday.
Contributing: Reuters
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
