‘Release Hostages Or You’re Dead’: Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ To Hamas After Direct Talks

US President Donald Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas after Washington held secret talks with the Palestinian militant group, demanding the release of all hostages amid disagreements over the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

Trump’s statement came hours after the White House confirmed that it was negotiating directly with the group with the involvement of Israel, in a move contrary to the US tradition of not speaking to groups it considers terrorist organisations.

“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. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Trump said in a statement.

Trump said he would give Israel “everything it needs to finish the job” and that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if the group does not comply with the orders of the US President.

“I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!” he added.

Notably, the United States has designated Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997, and as part of its policy, it does not engage in negotiations with these entities – though with the exception of the Taliban, with whom both the Obama and Trump administrations negotiated.