Trump warns Hamas: Release captives or 'you are dead'
Trump renewed his previous threats, stating there would be “hell to pay” if the captives were not freed.
News Desk |
March 06, 2025
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas and the people of Gaza, demanding the immediate release of Israeli captives or face severe consequences.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump renewed his previous threats, stating there would be “hell to pay” if the captives were not freed.
“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” Trump wrote. “Also, to the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.”
The warning came just hours after the White House confirmed that Washington was engaging in direct talks with Hamas. However, the Palestinian group has maintained that captives will only be released as part of a ceasefire agreement.
Ceasefire talks at a standstill
A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas expired last week, and while negotiations continue, Israel has refused to move forward with the next stage of the ceasefire, which would include a permanent end to hostilities and the release of all captives.
Instead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, backed by Trump, has sought to prolong the current phase to secure the return of more captives without committing to a lasting ceasefire.
Aid blockade and international concerns
Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza, preventing the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies, drawing widespread condemnation from the United Nations and international human rights groups.
Meanwhile, Trump has continued his calls for the forced displacement of Gaza’s population, suggesting the United States should “own” the territory.
His rhetoric has raised concerns about potential violations of international law, with critics accusing him of endorsing ethnic cleansing.
Trump also mocked Hamas in his latest statement, writing, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means hello and goodbye – you can choose. 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.”
His comments come as Netanyahu faces mounting legal challenges, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon.
Despite the growing outcry, Trump has vowed to provide Israel with everything it needs to continue its military campaign, saying, “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with humanitarian agencies warning of an impending catastrophe if aid is not allowed to enter. While diplomatic efforts continue, Trump's latest threats add another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile conflict.
US rejects Arab-led Gaza reconstruction plan
The United States has rejected an alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza backed by Arab leaders, insisting that President Donald Trump stands by his own proposal, which includes relocating Palestinian residents and transforming the enclave into a US-administered coastal zone.
In a statement on Tuesday night, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the Arab-backed proposal “does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable.” He added that Trump remains committed to rebuilding Gaza “free from Hamas” and looks forward to further talks.
The Arab-backed plan, spearheaded by Egypt, envisions Hamas handing control of Gaza to an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can take over. Unlike Trump’s proposal, it would allow Gaza’s 2 million Palestinian residents to remain.
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