US President warns Hamas that there will be ‘hell to pay’ if Israeli hostages in Gaza are not released immediately.
Washington, DC – United States President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Hamas and the people of Gaza, demanding the release of all Israeli hostages held in the territory.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his warning that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages are not released.
“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” Trump 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.”
The president’s comments came hours after the White House confirmed that Washington is engaging in talks with Hamas.
Trump has been advocating for the forced displacement of Gaza’s entire population and for the US to “own” the Palestinian territory.
It is unclear how the “beautiful future” Trump promised to Gaza’s residents aligns with his ethnic cleansing plan. Trump previously stated that, under his proposal, Palestinians would not be allowed to return to the territory.
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump wrote.
“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.”
Israel has been holding onto the bodies of hundreds of Palestinians for years as a bargaining chip, a practice known as necroviolence.
Trump has issued similar threats in the past, but Hamas has insisted that the hostages will only be released as part of a ceasefire agreement.
The first stage of the deal ended last week, but Israel has refused to move forward to the next stage, which would lead to a permanent end to the war and the release of all hostages.
Instead, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by Trump, has sought to extend the first phase to free more hostages without committing to a lasting ceasefire.
Israel has also sealed off Gaza, blocking the entry of any humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, and medicine – a move that has triggered widespread condemnation from the United Nations and countries worldwide.
Netanyahu is already facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
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