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President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas on Wednesday, declaring that the U.S. is “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” and demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages according to New York Post.
In a statement on Truth Social following a meeting with eight freed hostages at the White House, Trump cautioned Hamas leaders, 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,” Trump wrote. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!”
The president further warned that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if the hostages are not freed. Addressing the people of Gaza, he suggested that a “beautiful future” awaits them but warned, “If you do [hold hostages], you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
Trump’s call for Hamas leaders to leave Gaza draws parallels to the 1982 evacuation of Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) fighters from Beirut under Israeli pressure.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump met privately with the freed hostages, listening to their accounts of captivity and expressing his commitment to securing the release of those still held. The hostages in attendance included Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, and Noa Argamani.
The Biden administration had been engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure hostage releases, with White House officials confirming ongoing talks with Hamas.
Among those still believed to be in captivity is 21-year-old Edan Alexander, an American citizen and Israeli soldier taken hostage during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. His status remains a key focus of U.S. and Israeli negotiations.
Trump has repeatedly warned of severe consequences for Hamas if the hostages are not freed. In December, he issued a statement saying, “If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East.” Hamas ultimately agreed to release some captives before Trump’s inauguration, a move widely interpreted as a response to his pressure.
Last month, Trump reiterated his stance, warning that “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas failed to release hostages by February 15. However, he deferred to Israeli leadership on further action.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the U.S. and Israel remain focused on securing the return of remaining hostages while maintaining military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas.
PeakNews Online
