President Trump issued a warning to Hamas on Wednesday to release its remaining hostages, following direct talks with the group officially designated as a terrorist organization.
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means both hello and goodbye; you can choose. Release all of the hostages now, not later, and return all of the dead bodies of those you murdered, or it is over for you. Only sick and twisted people keep their bodies; you are sick and twisted!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president also stated that he is sending resources to Israel in order to end the Middle East conflict, and that this was his final warning.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job; no Hamas member will be safe unless you do as I say. I just met with your former hostages, whose lives you destroyed. This is your final warning! The leadership should leave Gaza while they still have a chance.
Also, to the people of Gaza, a beautiful future awaits you, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make SMART decisions. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” he warned.
Trump’s order for Hamas to leave Gaza is linked to his proposal for all Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip and for the US to take control of the territory.
Israeli officials had previously proposed exile for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces.
It is unclear where Hamas officials or members of the armed group could travel. Arab countries have refused to accept Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, and while Qatar currently hosts Hamas officials, it is unclear whether this will facilitate their relocation.
The White House confirmed earlier Wednesday that Trump’s special envoy is in talks with Hamas, stating that the president’s envoys have the authority to “talk to anyone.”
“Israel was consulted about this matter. Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what is best for the American people is something that the president has demonstrated, as is his belief in a good-faith effort to do what is right for the American people,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
The prime minister’s office said in a statement that Israel has expressed its position to the United States on direct talks with Hamas, but did not specify what that position is.