US President Donald Trump has issued what he described as a "last warning" to Hamas demanding the immediate release of all hostages being held in Gaza. The strongly worded ultimatum came through a lengthy post on Trump's Truth Social platform just after he met released Israeli hostages who had been freed under from Hamas captivity.
Video: Trump speaks with the hostages / Credit: Usage under Israeli intellectual property law section 27 a
"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," Trump wrote in the social media message. The president's threat coincided with the White House's unprecedented confirmation that the administration has opened direct talks with Hamas regarding the hostages.
The Biden administration had previously avoided direct engagement with Hamas as there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with groups designated as terrorist organizations. However, the Trump administration has taken a different approach in its first weeks in office.
When Trump met with released hostages on Monday in the Oval Office, he won immense praise from them on his efforts to broker the recent hostage deal with Hamas, which included repeated warnings that "the gates of hell" will open if the terrorist group doesn't show flexibility. They gave him a plaque thanking him, with the Talmudic phrase "One who saves a life saves the entire world" and he later took a picture with them holding it.
In his Truth Social post, President Trump warned again there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not released, though he did not specify the nature of the support being sent to Israel. "Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you," the president stated.
The president also appeared to issue a direct ultimatum to Hamas leadership: "For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance." His message extended to Palestinian civilians as well, warning: "Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!"
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.
Hamas' actions have inflicted immense suffering, AND THEIR REIGN OF TERROR MUST BE STOPPED.🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/Sy0G3fwSqL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2025
In December, before taking office, he warned there would be "all hell to pay" if hostages weren't released by his inauguration. The president's latest statements followed a White House meeting with recently released hostages who had been freed during the ceasefire.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to reporters that the US has indeed begun negotiating directly with Hamas in an effort to secure the release of remaining hostages. According to Leavitt, Israel had been consulted before these talks began.
"President Trump believed in doing what was in the best interest of the American people," Leavitt told the press, adding that Special Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler's work represented a "good faith effort to do what's right for the American people."
A Palestinian source informed the BBC that "two direct meetings" have taken place between Hamas representatives and US officials, which were "preceded by several communications." The report indicated these discussions were happening in Qatar.
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.
Hamas' actions have inflicted immense suffering, AND THEIR REIGN OF TERROR MUST BE STOPPED.🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/Sy0G3fwSqL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2025
Israeli officials maintain that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with approximately 24 believed to be alive. Among those still held captive are US citizens, adding urgency to the administration's direct engagement.
