NEW DELHI: U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a decisive ultimatum to Hamas, urging the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. Labeling it as his โlast warning,โ Trump pledged unwavering support for Israeli military action if his demands are not met.
Trumpโs ultimatum was conveyed through a post on Truth Social, where he emphasized that Israel would receive everything it needs to finish the job if Hamas fails to release the hostages. โNot a single Hamas member will be safe if you donโt do as I say,โ Trump declared. This warning comes amid unprecedented direct negotiations between U.S. officials and Hamas, facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler in Doha, Qatar.
The Trump administrationโs decision to engage directly with Hamas marks a significant departure from previous U.S. policy, which traditionally avoided direct communication with the group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department since 1997. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, calling it a necessary step in the interest of the people.
President Trump met with eight released hostages from Gaza, listening to their heartbreaking stories:
President Trump met with eight released hostages from Gaza, listening to their heartbreaking stories. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering efforts to bring them & others home.
Hamasโ actions have inflicted immense suffering, AND THEIR REIGN OF TERROR MUST BE STOPPED.๐บ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฑ pic.twitter.com/Sy0G3fwSqL
โ The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2025
Trumpโs ultimatum has drawn mixed reactions from global leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude, stating, โThank you, Mr. President, for your commitment to Israelโs security and the security of the entire free world and for your concern for the return of all our hostages to their homes.โ On the other hand, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem criticized the threats, arguing that they complicate matters related to the ceasefire agreement and push the occupationโs government to become more radical.
โDespite all the enemyโs attempts at evasion, lies and deceptionโฆ we preferred and still prefer to adhere to the agreement in order to spare the blood of our people,โ Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a video statement.
READ MORE: US to use AI to revoke visas of foreign students who appear โpro-Hamasโ
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with humanitarian conditions worsening due to the ongoing conflict. Israelโs decision to halt all humanitarian aid to Gaza has led to soaring prices and dire consequences for the civilian population. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have condemned the move, describing it as โweaponizing starvationโ.
As the conflict continues, the people of Gaza face severe displacement and destruction. The aid freeze has imperiled the tenuous progress made during the ceasefireโs first phase, with many residents entirely dependent on trucked-in food and other aid. The international community remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis, urging all parties to uphold their commitments and ensure the flow of aid to those in need.
Trumpโs final warning to Hamas underscores the delicate balance between ensuring national security and addressing the humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. The outcome of this ultimatum will likely shape the future of the region and the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace.
