Trump threatens Gazans with 'death' if captives not released
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The US president advised Hamas officials in Gaza to evacuate the area "while they still have a chance."
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Israeli captives are escorted by Hamas fighters on a stage before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on February 8, 2025. (AP)
US President Donald Trump told the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas that he will authorize fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza unless the group frees 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.
Trump gave the ultimatum after meeting with six captives freed as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
A senior Hamas official told Al Mayadeen that the recent meeting left the American side with a "positive impression" regarding the possibility of negotiations with the group.
However, the official noted that the US envoy focused solely on a potential prisoner exchange and did not address broader issues, such as a ceasefire or an end to the war on Gaza.
"The American side did not present a specific framework for a prisoner swap but listened to Hamas's perspective on the matter," the official said.
The Palestinian Resistance official also revealed that the meeting took place at the request of the US and caught Israeli officials by surprise.
"'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.
He urged Hamas to hand over the corpses of the dead captives it is holding, accusing the group of being "sick and twisted."
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.
Addressing the people of Gaza, he claimed, "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!"
Hamas urges pressure on 'Israel'
Hamas reaffirmed on Friday its full commitment to implementing all provisions of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, in all its stages and details, as the first phase of the deal comes to an end.
In a statement, the Palestinian group called on the international community to pressure "Israel" to fully adhere to its commitments under the agreement and to immediately proceed with implementing its second phase without any delays or evasions.
Meanwhile, two Egyptian security sources told Reuters that the Israeli delegation in Cairo is attempting to reach an agreement to extend the first phase of the deal for 42 days.
Hamas opposes any extension and insists on moving forward with the second phase of the agreement as initially outlined, the sources indicated. This phase is intended to include steps toward a permanent cessation of the war.
'Israel' seeks to prolong first phase
The first phase of the ceasefire concluded on Saturday, and "Israel" and Hamas did not clarify what will occur if no new agreement is reached. Egypt and Qatar are mediating the negotiations with support from the United States.
Two Israeli government officials told Reuters that "Israel" is seeking to prolong the initial phase, proposing that Hamas release three captives per week in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli prisons.
With just hours remaining before the first phase of the truce is set to expire, mediator Egypt announced on Thursday that Israeli, Qatari, and US delegations were in Cairo for "intensive" negotiations on a second phase aimed at securing a permanent end to the war.
Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday "instructed the negotiation delegation to depart for Cairo," his office said, shortly after Hamas handed over the remains of four captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
