Trump's threats encourage Israeli breach of Gaza ceasefire: Hamas
2 Min Read
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem calls on the US administration to press "Israel" into proceeding with implementing the ceasefire's second phase.
-
Hamas fighters take up a position ahead of handing over four bodies to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, February 20, 2025. (AP)
US President Donald Trump's threats complicate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and encourage the Israeli occupation to continue violating its requirements, Hazem Qassem, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, stated on Thursday.
Trump told Hamas that he would authorize fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza unless the group released the remaining Israeli captives.
Trump's ultimatum came during direct discussions in Doha between his envoy for captive matters, Adam Boehler, and Hamas leaders in an attempt to achieve a fresh Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
"'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 on his social media platform.
Trump advised Hamas officials in Gaza to evacuate the area "while they still have a chance" and warned that "not a single Hamas member will be safe" if the captives are not released. "This is your last warning!" he warned.
In response, Qassem, in a statement to Anadolu Agency, said, "There is a deal that was signed, and the United States was a participating mediator, and it includes the release of all captives in three separate phases."
"These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms," he warned.
The spokesperson stressed that Hamas fully complied with the requirements during the first phase, while "Israel" consistently evaded adhering to its commitments.
He called on the US administration to pressure "Israel" into commencing the second-phase negotiations, as per the ceasefire agreement.
The first phase of the truce ended at the weekend after six weeks that included exchanges of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli occupation prisons.
While "Israel" has said it wants to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on a transition to the second phase, which should lead to a lasting ceasefire.
"Israel" has ramped up its rhetoric and halted the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza, in violation of the agreement.
Read more: Hamas lists Israeli violations of ceasefire, urges second phase talks
