US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to the people of Gaza on Wednesday, threatening severe consequences if hostages held by Hamas are not released immediately. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “…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. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
Trump also directed a warning to Hamas leaders, demanding the immediate return of hostages and the bodies of those killed in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. He cautioned the group’s leadership to flee Gaza while they still could, adding, “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.”
Five Americans are believed to remain among the hostages, with four confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, thought to be alive.
The first phase of a ceasefire ended over the weekend following six weeks of relative calm, during which exchanges took place between Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. While Israel has sought to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on moving to the second phase, which could lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
