Trump Issues Dire Warning to Hamas as US Engages in Rare Talks for Hostage Release
US President Donald Trump on March 5 issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union, demanding the immediate release of all hostages. This declaration came after the White House confirmed secret negotiations with the Iranian-backed, Gaza-based extremist group. Such direct talks represent a significant shift from the long-standing US policy of avoiding negotiations with groups classified as terrorists. However, historical precedents exist where the US has quietly engaged in dialogue under similar circumstances.
Following the release of several hostages by Hamas after months of captivity—stemming from a brutal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023—Trump met with these individuals. The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 1200 people, primarily civilians, and saw 251 hostages taken into Gaza. In retaliation, Israel launched a vigorous military campaign in the Palestinian territory, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths according to local sources and displacing a significant portion of the 2.3 million residents in Gaza.
On social media, Trump warned that failure to comply with the demands of hostage release would lead to severe consequences for Hamas. He proclaimed, "I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job. Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say." Furthermore, he reached out to the people of Gaza, suggesting a hopeful future awaits them if they released the hostages, stating, "If you do, you are DEAD. Make a SMART decision: RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER."
Despite the fierce rhetoric, Trump did not specify what actions the US would take should Hamas not heed his warning. He proposed a controversial plan involving the US assuming control over the Gaza Strip, resettling its population, and committing to reconstruction—a notion met with considerable resistance from both allies and adversaries.
In response to inquiries about direct negotiations with Hamas, the White House confirmed that Adam Boehler, the special envoy for hostage affairs, indeed has the authority to communicate with the group. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted, "Dialogue with people around the world is what’s right for the American people," emphasizing consultations held with Israel regarding these discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that Israel had communicated its position regarding these direct talks, maintaining that the country would not engage in negotiations with Hamas. Reports surfaced that Boehler had recently met with Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar, but details regarding the participants remained unclear.
Sources indicated ongoing efforts by US negotiators to secure the release of Edan Alexander, described as potentially the last surviving American hostage held by Hamas. Reports from Israeli officials stated that four other US hostages had died while under Hamas control. A Hamas political adviser, Taher Al-Nono, claimed to have no knowledge of meetings with American officials but suggested that any interaction with the US administration could contribute positively to regional stability.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem remarked that the group fulfilled its initial obligations as part of a ceasefire agreement established on January 18, where fighting subsided and led to the exchange of hostages. He criticized Netanyahu’s government for resisting negotiations for the subsequent phase, which entails the release of remaining hostages alongside Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The first phase of the ceasefire saw Hamas release 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for roughly 2000 Palestinian prisoners.
As discussions evolve amidst the chaos and devastation in Gaza, the stakes grow significantly higher, with the US grappling with its diplomatic stance on interacting with Hamas while seeking to secure hostages and stabilize conditions in the region.
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