‘If you hold hostages, you are dead’: Trump issues ultimatum to Hamas amid direct US negotiations over hostages

The President’s ultimatum came just hours after the White House confirmed that US officials had, for the first time, engaged in direct talks with Hamas. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, acknowledged the sensitive nature of these discussions, explaining that US special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler had been tasked with negotiating in Doha, Qatar. “These are ongoing talks and discussions. I am not going to detail them here. There are American lives at stake,” Leavitt told reporters.

Leavitt also emphasized that the US had consulted with Israel about the negotiations, and reiterated President Trump’s belief in pursuing dialogue when American interests, particularly those involving the safety of US citizens, are at stake. “The President has proven time and again that dialogue and talking to people around the world is what he believes will serve the best interests of the American people,” she said.

Hamas and the hostage crisis

Hamas, which seized control of Gaza following its 2006 victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections, is still holding 59 hostages, according to Israeli intelligence. However, it is believed that only 22 of those hostages are still alive. Among them are five Americans, including Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old from New Jersey, whose condition remains unclear.

While Hamas has publicly confirmed that discussions with US officials have taken place, it has shown little willingness to comply with American or Israeli demands for the immediate release of the remaining hostages. A Hamas official, speaking to news agency AFP on Wednesday, confirmed that the group had met twice with US officials in Doha in recent days. “Several communications took place between Hamas and various American communication channels, the latest being with a US envoy to discuss the issue of Israeli prisoners who hold American citizenship, both the living and the deceased,” the official said.

Israeli hostages, from left to right, Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem and Omer Wenkert, show Hamas issued certificates on a stage after being instructed by militants, before being handed over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)

Despite these talks, negotiations between Hamas and Israel remain at a standstill. Under the terms of the initial ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this year, Hamas had agreed to release hostages on a rolling basis, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, as the ceasefire approaches its expiration, Hamas has rejected further proposals to release additional hostages. A recent offer by US envoy Steve Witkoff to extend the ceasefire for 50 days, contingent on Hamas releasing half of the remaining hostages, was immediately rejected by the group.

Trump’s warning to Hamas and Gaza

Trump’s social media post was laden with fiery rhetoric, warning Hamas leaders that they should consider fleeing Gaza while they still have the chance. “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” the president wrote. “Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”

The President also hinted at potential repercussions for Gaza’s civilian population, many of whom have been displaced by Israel’s military operations in the wake of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks, which sparked the latest round of fighting. Trump’s post addressed the people of Gaza directly, warning, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has freed 18 hostages, while Israel has released 383 Palestinian prisoners. (AP)

These remarks underscore Trump’s unwavering support for Israel throughout the crisis, most recently approving billions of dollars in arms sales to the country. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job,” he declared. “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”

Diplomatic efforts and the stalemate

Although Trump’s administration has taken a hardline stance against Hamas, his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has sought to keep diplomatic channels open, both with Hamas and with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Witkoff was instrumental in negotiating the initial ceasefire deal that took effect in January, under which Hamas released dozens of hostages and Israel freed more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners. The hope was that the ceasefire would serve as the foundation for more lasting peace talks.

However, with the ceasefire deal now in jeopardy and Hamas refusing to release additional hostages without further concessions, Witkoff has found his efforts to extend the truce stymied. According to a US official speaking to Axios, Witkoff had planned to travel to Doha earlier this week for another round of discussions with Qatari officials, but cancelled the trip at the last minute after receiving word that there had been no progress on Hamas’s side.

As the situation remains at an impasse, the Trump administration is grappling with how to balance the immediate need to secure the release of American hostages with the long-term goal of preventing further conflict in Gaza. For now, the direct talks with Hamas represent a high-stakes gamble, one that could either lead to the resolution of the hostage crisis or deepen the conflict in the region.