Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening severe consequences if all remaining hostages were not released immediately. He also urged Hamas leaders to flee, signaling unwavering support for Israel as ceasefire negotiations remain fragile.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform after meeting freed hostages, stating, "Release all hostages now, not later, and return the bodies of those you murdered, or it is OVER for you." He warned Hamas leadership that their last opportunity to escape was now.

Reaffirming his backing of Israel, Trump declared, "I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job," as his administration fast-tracked military aid worth billions.

Addressing Gaza's civilians, Trump cautioned, "A beautiful future awaits, but only if you stop holding hostages. Otherwise, you are DEAD!"

His remarks echoed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent warning of dire consequences if Hamas did not release the captives taken during the October 7, 2023, attack.

Following the expiration of the ceasefire’s first phase, which saw hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, Israel has intensified its stance. While Israel has shown willingness to extend negotiations until mid-April, Hamas insists on moving toward a permanent truce.

However, Israel has amplified its pressure tactics, suspending the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. The previous U.S. administration under Joe Biden had disapproved of such measures, but Trump’s approach has revived the hardline stance.

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated on Wednesday that although Hamas had suffered significant losses, it was yet to be fully dismantled, stressing that the mission was ongoing.

Meanwhile, concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have grown. France, Britain, and Germany jointly described the situation as "catastrophic" and urged Israel to allow unrestricted aid flow. South Africa went further, accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war by restricting aid deliveries.

U.S. Engages in Talks with Hamas

For the first time, the United States confirmed direct discussions with Hamas. U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler engaged with the group, a move that marks a shift from Washington’s previous stance of avoiding direct contact with the militants, whom it designated a terrorist organization in 1997.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, stating that President Trump believes in engaging with all necessary parties to ensure the best outcome for American citizens.

Five American hostages remain in captivity, with four confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, believed to be alive.

The October 7 attack by Hamas led to 1,218 deaths, primarily civilians, while Israel's military offensive in Gaza has resulted in at least 48,440 fatalities, based on figures from both sides. Out of the 251 individuals captured by Hamas, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 whom Israeli authorities have confirmed as deceased.

Debate Over Post-War Gaza Plans

Trump has previously floated controversial proposals for governing Gaza, including resettlement plans that have drawn global condemnation.

In contrast, Arab nations have introduced an alternative reconstruction strategy, proposing a $53 billion trust fund to finance Gaza’s rebuilding. Their plan, which lacks clear financial backing, calls for unified Palestinian representation under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) while sidelining Hamas.

Hugh Lovatt, a policy expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, deemed the Arab initiative more practical than Trump’s vision, but Palestinian political analyst Ghassan Khatib remained skeptical. He pointed out that Israel was unlikely to abandon Trump’s approach in favor of an Arab-led solution, making the plan’s implementation uncertain.