Trump Demands Hamas Release All Hostages Immediately

Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas, Demands Release of All Hostages

March 6, 2025

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza. Trump warned of dire consequences should Hamas fail to comply with his demand, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: "Release the hostages now, not later, and return the bodies of those you have killed, or you will face total destruction." His statement followed a meeting with eight hostages who had recently been freed from Gaza. Trump further asserted that Israel would have his full support in utilizing all available resources to end the conflict, adding: "Not a single Hamas ally will remain safe if you do not do as I say."

These comments came just hours after the U.S. confirmed that it was holding direct talks with Hamas concerning the release of hostages and a potential ceasefire in Gaza. This marks a significant deviation from the U.S.'s longstanding policy of not engaging with groups labeled as terrorist organizations. Axios was the first to report these negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas.

Since its designation as a terrorist organization in 1997, the U.S. has traditionally refrained from negotiating with Hamas. However, during the administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the U.S. engaged in talks with the Taliban, which had also been classified as a terrorist group after the 9/11 attacks.

When asked about the decision to engage directly with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained: "The special envoy in charge of these talks has the authority to speak with anyone." She referred to Adam Boehler, a special envoy appointed by Trump to oversee these negotiations on the hostages' release. Leavitt noted that Israel was aware of these discussions, and that the U.S. had been working with global partners to protect American citizens.

The Israeli government has not clarified its official stance on these talks, though sources suggest that Israel was informed about the negotiations. In an interview with Fox Business, Israeli Diplomat Ofir Akunis voiced support for the U.S.'s actions, stating, "Instead of pressuring Israel, President Trump is rightly pressuring Hamas. If the U.S. can push for more hostages to be released, we would greatly welcome it."

Hamas Responds to Trump’s Ultimatum

Trump’s blunt message included a stern warning to the people of Gaza, suggesting they could face a brighter future, but only if they choose wisely: "If you do not release the hostages, it will be too late. Make a wise decision. Release them now, or face your doom later."

Hamas has condemned Trump’s remarks, claiming they undermine ongoing ceasefire negotiations and threaten the progress made. A spokesperson for Hamas, Hazem Qassem, criticized Trump's rhetoric, saying that his comments could derail efforts for a lasting peace agreement. Qassem also accused the Israeli government of avoiding discussions on the next phase of negotiations, after Hamas had already met the terms of the initial stage facilitated by the U.S.

Earlier this week, Israel halted humanitarian aid to Gaza, following Hamas’s rejection of Israel's proposed ceasefire extension. These developments come as fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas continues to escalate.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 61,700 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, with more than 111,800 others wounded. In turn, Israel reports that the Hamas-led attacks have resulted in approximately 1,139 Israeli deaths, with 251 people taken hostage and transported to Gaza.