On Thursday, the Hamas militant group dismissed President Donald Trump’s latest warning and reaffirmed that it would only release the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Hamas accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to back out of the ceasefire agreement made in January. This deal included negotiations for a second phase, where hostages would be freed in return for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua stated that the “most effective way” to free the remaining Israeli hostages is through negotiations on the second phase, which were meant to begin in early February, though only limited preparatory talks have occurred.
On Wednesday, Trump issued what he called a “final warning” to Hamas after meeting with eight former hostages. The White House confirmed it had conducted direct talks with the militant group, which Israel and Western nations consider a terrorist organization.
“Release all the hostages now, not later, and return all the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!”
Hamas is believed to hold 24 living hostages from the October 7, 2023, attack, which sparked the war, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander. It is also holding the remains of 34 others who died during the attack or in captivity, as well as a soldier killed in the 2014 conflict.
In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This phase lasted 42 days and ended on Saturday.
Israel supports a new U.S. proposal for the second phase, where Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages immediately and the rest when a permanent ceasefire is negotiated. Hamas has rejected this plan and insists on sticking with the agreement signed in January.
Israel has cut off vital supplies like food, fuel, and medicine to Gaza’s 2 million residents, hoping to pressure Hamas to accept the new terms. It has also warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not continue releasing hostages.
The outcome of U.S.-Hamas discussions remains unclear. The Trump administration has pledged full support for Israel’s primary war objectives: returning all hostages and dismantling Hamas, although these goals might conflict.
The October 7 attack by Hamas militants killed roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Most of the hostages have been released under ceasefire agreements or other arrangements. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered the bodies of many others.
Israel’s ongoing military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not specify how many of those killed were militants. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 fighters, though it has not provided proof.
The offensive has caused widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing most of the population. Hundreds of thousands are now living in tents, schools-turned-shelters, or damaged buildings, relying heavily on international aid.
