US President Donald Trump issued a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. The declaration came shortly after the White House announced direct conversations with Hamas, which the US has labeled as a terrorist organization since 1997. In his Truth Social post, Trump stated, “Release all of the hostages now…and immediately return all of the dead bodies…or it is over for you.”

US violates convention and engages in direct discussions with Hamas. The continuing negotiations mark a significant departure from the US’s traditional policy of avoiding direct talks with terrorist organizations. However, exceptions have been made in the past, including conversations with the Taliban during both the Obama and Trump administrations. When asked about the talks with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Adam Boehler, Trump’s candidate for hostage envoy, is permitted to conduct these discussions and that Israel was consulted on the topic.

Israel’s stance and Hamas’s response to Trump’s ultimatum

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office informed the US of its position on direct discussions with Hamas, but it did not indicate whether it was aware or what its position was. A senior Israeli ambassador applauded Trump’s strategy, saying it puts pressure on Hamas rather than Israel. “We will be very happy to see more hostages with their families,” said Ofir Akunis, Israel’s consul general in New York.

Hamas condemns Trump’s comments.

Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem condemned Trump’s remarks, claiming they could jeopardize the Gaza ceasefire and complicate ongoing negotiations. According to Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, the group has met its first-phase duties under the US-brokered agreement, but the Israeli government is “evading negotiations for the second phase.” He asked the United States to press Israel to enter the second phase, “as stipulated in the agreement.”

Trump’s Plan for Gaza

Trump has previously claimed that he sees Gaza as a “big real estate site” with development potential, with the goal of making it the “Riviera of the Middle East.” On Tuesday, his administration rejected a $53 billion Gaza rehabilitation plan provided by Arab leaders. “The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live…in debris and unexploded ordnance,” National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said.