Hamas has accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of undermining the fragile ceasefire in Gaza after he issued a stark warning, saying that unless hostages are released, “the people of Gaza would be DEAD.”
The controversial statement came shortly after reports surfaced that Trump’s administration had engaged in unprecedented direct talks with Hamas—despite the U.S. officially designating the group as a terrorist organization. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed it had been consulted on the discussions.
In a heated post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned Hamas leadership to surrender or flee Gaza immediately, insisting that hostages be returned without delay.
“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance,” he wrote.
He also addressed the people of Gaza directly:
“A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
Hamas Responds: “Trump’s Words Encourage Israeli Defiance”
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim fired back, arguing that Trump’s remarks embolden Israel to disregard the conditions of the ceasefire, which had been in place since January 19.
“These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms,” Qasim stated, calling on the U.S. to pressure Israel to move forward with the next phase of the truce.
The ceasefire had temporarily halted hostilities after six weeks of calm, during which Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. However, while Israel has expressed interest in extending this phase, Hamas has pushed for a transition to the second phase, which includes steps toward a lasting ceasefire.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns in Gaza have escalated, with France, Britain, and Germany calling the situation “catastrophic” and urging Israel to allow unrestricted aid deliveries. South Africa has accused Israel of “using starvation as a weapon of war.”
Trump’s Hawkish Stance and Direct Talks with Hamas
Despite his hardline rhetoric, Trump’s administration has confirmed direct contact with Hamas to discuss the fate of American hostages, a move marking a significant shift in U.S. policy.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the approach, stating:
“Dialogue with any party that serves the best interests of the American people is always on the table.”
Currently, five Americans remain among the hostages, with four confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Hamas that Trump’s threats should not be taken lightly.
“If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it,” Rubio asserted.
Global Outrage Over Trump’s “Gaza Takeover” Plan
Trump also sparked international backlash by suggesting the U.S. should “take over” Gaza and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” while advocating for the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan.
Arab leaders have proposed an alternative plan, aiming to fund Gaza’s reconstruction through a trust fund and restore Palestinian Authority control. However, analysts remain skeptical about whether Israel would abandon Trump’s vision in favor of Arab-led solutions.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on whether the ceasefire will hold—or if Trump’s warnings will escalate the crisis even further.
