The Intercept highlighted US President Donald Trump’s latest threats against the population of Gaza. 

In a post on Truth Social, Trump demanded, "Release all of the hostages now … or it is OVER for you." His threats escalated from Hamas to the people of Gaza. "Also, to the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits," Trump wrote, adding, "But not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!"

Trump has made similar statements in the past, including a promise before his presidency that "all hell will break out" if Israeli captives were not released. However, his latest remarks are notable for targeting Gaza’s broader population, a region already devastated by conflict, where over 48,000 people have been killed, with thousands more buried under rubble.

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed secret talks with Hamas on Wednesday.

'Genocidal rhetoric'

Khaled Elgindy, a Georgetown University scholar, condemned Trump’s language as "genocidal rhetoric," stating, "He’s threatening an entire population with death — what else is that other than genocidal?"

This rhetoric follows Trump’s controversial "Gaza Riviera" plan, which advocates for US control of Gaza and the displacement of Palestinians during reconstruction. Critics, including Palestinians, Arab leaders, and rights organizations, have condemned the plan as ethnic cleansing.

Elgindy told The Intercept that Trump’s rhetoric is consistent with his previous proposals, which have been criticized as encouraging ethnic cleansing and endorsing genocidal actions. Similarly, "Israel’s" far-right leaders have called for the elimination of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, further escalating tensions in the region.

Trump’s statement also included continued US support for "Israel", pledging to provide "everything [Israel] needs to finish the job." This comes amid a recent $3 billion US arms deal to "Israel", which includes over 35,500 bombs.

Meanwhile, the US White House confirmed it is engaged in diplomatic efforts to negotiate the release of Israeli captives, despite long-standing US policy of avoiding direct diplomacy with groups labeled as "terrorists, including Hamas, which the US designated in 1997."

The timing of Trump’s remarks raises questions about the US position. Elgindy said, as quoted by The Intercept, that Trump’s inflammatory statements could undermine diplomatic efforts, adding, "At a minimum, the Israelis will take it as a license to do whatever they want to do."