In a strong warning to Hamas, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened further destruction in Gaza if all remaining hostages are not released immediately.
His ultimatum comes as a fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance, with Israel ramping up military pressure.
Trump’s Warning to Gaza
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump declared:
“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.”
He also warned Hamas leaders to flee while they still have the chance. Addressing the people of Gaza, he added:
“A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
US Expediting Weapons to Israel
Backing Israel, Trump announced that his administration is fast-tracking billions of dollars in military aid to help Israel “finish the job.”
His comments align with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier statement, warning of “consequences that you cannot imagine” if Hamas does not comply.
Ceasefire Talks and Rising Tensions
The recent ceasefire ended over the weekend after six weeks of relative calm. While Israel proposed extending it until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on transitioning to a permanent ceasefire.
However, tensions have escalated with Israel halting the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza, increasing pressure on Hamas.
Eyal Zamir, Israel’s new military chief, stated that despite Hamas suffering severe losses, the group has not yet been defeated.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
Several global leaders, including those from France, Britain, and Germany, have described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “catastrophic.” They urged Israel to ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, South Africa has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war by blocking aid.
Direct US Talks with Hamas
For the first time since designating Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997, the United States has confirmed direct talks with the group.
Adam Boehler, the US envoy on hostage affairs, has been engaging in discussions regarding American hostages.
The White House confirmed that Israel was consulted before these talks, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy.
The Future of Gaza: Two Conflicting Plans
As war tensions escalate, two competing visions for Gaza’s future have emerged:
- Trump’s Proposal – Displacing Gaza’s population and taking over the territory, a plan widely condemned by Arab leaders.
- Arab Nations’ Proposal – A $53 billion trust fund to finance Gaza’s reconstruction under Palestinian leadership, excluding Hamas.
Palestinian analyst Ghassan Khatib dismissed the Arab plan as unrealistic, stating that Israel is unlikely to abandon Trump’s approach for an alternative solution.
What Lies Ahead?
With five American hostages still unaccounted for, the pressure on Hamas is mounting. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced Trump’s stance, warning that he always follows through on his threats.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether Hamas will comply—or if Gaza will face further devastation.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for the latest updates on this developing story.
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