The US President Donald Trump has issued a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and the return of the bodies of those killed by the group. The statement comes following direct talks between US representatives and Hamas in Doha. This move marks a significant shift as the US has previously refrained from direct engagement with the organization.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Hamas: “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 US president made it clear that Israel would be fully supported in finishing what he described as a necessary military action. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job,” he added. “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
According to a report in the US based publication Axios, these comments followed the meeting of Adam Boehler, President Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, with Hamas representatives. While the US has maintained a long-standing policy of not directly engaging with Hamas, the discussions reflect a shift in diplomatic tactics as the US works to secure the release of American hostages and push for a longer-term ceasefire.
A spokesperson for the White House, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the engagement with Hamas, stating, “The special envoy who engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone. Israel was consulted on this matter.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also weighed in, repeating that Israel had expressed its position on the matter of direct talks with Hamas to the US government.
Rejection of Arab Proposal for Gaza Reconstruction
As the international community looks for a path toward rebuilding Gaza, the Trump administration has rejected a proposal from Arab nations led by Egypt. The plan, which called for a large-scale reconstruction effort in Gaza, was dismissed by the White House. Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, explained that the Arab plan did not adequately address the fact that Gaza remains largely uninhabitable due to ongoing conflict and Hamas’ control.
According to reports, Hughes stated, “Gaza is not fit for life. The Arab proposal does not take that into account, and we believe the future of Gaza must be handled differently.”
Instead, the Trump administration has put forward its own vision for Gaza’s future. This plan includes the relocation of Gaza’s residents and a transformation of the area into a tourist hub, under US oversight. The move signals a stark shift from previous US policy, with the Trump administration aiming to reshape Gaza’s post-conflict future.