Trump Issues Final Warning to Hamas: “Release Hostages or Face Consequences”
WASHINGTON – “Shalom Hamas,” former President Donald Trump declared in Hebrew, issuing what he described as his final ultimatum to the Palestinian militant group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
In a bold message posted on Truth Social, Trump warned Hamas that there would be “HELL TO PAY LATER” if they did not release all remaining Israeli hostages. Calling the group “sick and twisted,” he demanded immediate action.
This ultimatum—his most direct warning in months—came shortly after Trump met with eight recently released Israeli hostages in the Oval Office. Describing the meeting as deeply emotional, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated on Thursday that the former president was visibly moved by the hostages’ accounts of their captivity.
In a video of the meeting, the former hostages expressed their belief that Trump was “sent by God” to save them and those still held captive. Trump’s response was firm:
“Well, we told them, ‘You better let us have those people back. You better let them out.’ And something happened,” he said, suggesting his influence played a role in their release. “Now, we’ve got to get the rest out.”
Trump’s Warning: “It Is Over” for Hamas
Witkoff stated that Trump was outraged by the conditions the hostages had endured, including severe deprivation and witnessing murders.
“The President listened, absorbed it, and said, ‘This is unacceptable. I’m not going to tolerate this type of behavior,’” Witkoff recounted.
So, what happens next?
Witkoff hinted that action would be taken soon, possibly in coordination with Israel. However, he emphasized that Hamas still had an opportunity to act responsibly by releasing the hostages and leaving Gaza permanently.
Meanwhile, Hamas and several Arab nations involved in negotiations have been pushing for a different approach to ending the war.
Possible Scenarios Moving Forward
1. Israel Escalates Military Action with Trump’s Backing
In his Truth Social post, Trump vowed to provide Israel with everything necessary to “finish the job,” warning Hamas members that “not a single one of you will be safe” if they fail to comply.
Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has approved nearly $12 billion in foreign military aid to Israel. Additionally, he has repealed restrictions imposed during the Biden administration that conditioned military assistance on Israel’s adherence to human rights guidelines. This effectively removes barriers that previously limited U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Alternatively, the U.S. could choose to act unilaterally, launching its own military operations against Hamas.
2. The U.S. Negotiates Directly with Hamas, Excluding Israel
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Wednesday that the Trump administration has entered direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of remaining hostages—potentially bypassing Israel.
While Israel was reportedly informed of these talks, Leavitt did not specify whether they were consulted before or after they began. Israeli officials expressed outrage, with the conservative pro-government newspaper Israel Hayom calling the move “very problematic.”
On Thursday, Witkoff confirmed that Adam Boehler, the U.S.’s lead hostage negotiator, had been in recent discussions with Hamas representatives. The goal is to ensure the release of all hostages, particularly Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American who is believed to be injured and remains in Hamas custody.
Witkoff emphasized that Trump’s focus extends beyond American hostages:
“All lives matter to him,” he stated. “He’s focused on getting them all home.”
3. Pressuring Hamas by Cutting Off Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
On Sunday, Israel halted all humanitarian aid entering Gaza, blocking the only remaining supply route for food, water, and medicine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Hamas immediately release all hostages, despite negotiations not yet reaching that stage. He also condemned what he called Hamas’ “humiliating” hostage release ceremonies, where captives were forced to kiss their captors, and bodies of Israeli children were displayed.
Hamas accused Trump’s rhetoric of encouraging Netanyahu to tighten the siege and worsen conditions for Palestinians. Local officials warned that without aid, existing supplies would last no more than two weeks. Humanitarian groups have condemned Israel’s blockade as a violation of international law.
The original six-week ceasefire deal, which began on January 19, expired on Saturday. It led to the release of 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. A second phase of negotiations was expected to address the release of 59 additional hostages, but talks remain stalled.
Netanyahu has proposed extending the first stage of the deal by 50 days, covering the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. Trump’s envoy, Witkoff, is expected to return to the Middle East next week to propose a new ceasefire plan.
4. The Future of Gaza: A Real Estate Plan?
At a joint press conference with Netanyahu in February, Trump presented a controversial proposal:
- The U.S. would “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians to neighboring Arab countries like Egypt and Jordan.
- Gaza would be transformed into a luxury resort destination, branded as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
“If we can create a beautiful place for people to resettle permanently, where they can be safe and happy, that’s a win,” Trump said.
However, this idea was widely condemned, as forced displacement of civilians during conflict constitutes a war crime under international law.
On Thursday, Witkoff acknowledged that some negotiations had discussed Gazans returning home in five years—a timeline he called unrealistic. Instead, he warned that rebuilding Gaza could take 15 years or more.
Meanwhile, Arab nations have put forth their own vision for Gaza’s future:
- In early March, regional leaders endorsed a reconstruction plan under the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank.
- Egypt presented AI-generated images of modern housing developments, beach resorts, and commercial hubs, including a port and airport.
But there’s a major sticking point: Israel has rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance. Additionally, neither Israel nor the U.S. want Hamas to have any role in postwar administration.
Trump: “Gaza Is a Mess, but It Has Potential”
When asked about Gaza’s future, Trump was blunt:
“I think Gaza is a mess. But I think Gaza could be good. It just has to be run properly,” he said.
As negotiations continue, the fate of Gaza, its people, and the remaining hostages hangs in the balance. Whether through diplomacy, military action, or economic pressure, the world is watching to see how Trump’s final warning to Hamas will play out.