Hamas Rejects Trump’s Ultimatum, Demands Permanent Ceasefire for Hostages/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas dismissed President Donald Trump’s latest warning and reiterated that it will only release Israeli hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Trump demanded the immediate release of all captives after meeting with former hostages, warning that failure to comply would mean it’s “over” for Hamas. However, Hamas accused Trump and Netanyahu of abandoning the January ceasefire agreement, which outlined phased hostage exchanges for Palestinian prisoners and a long-term truce.
Hamas Rejects Trump’s Warning: Quick Look
- Hamas’ Response: Insists on a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal before releasing more hostages.
- Trump’s Ultimatum: Demands immediate release of all captives and remains, warning Hamas it’s “over” if they refuse.
- Ceasefire Agreement Stalled: Hamas claims Israel and the U.S. are reneging on January’s truce deal.
- Hostages Held: 24 believed to be alive, with 34 bodies also in Hamas’ custody.
- Gaza Crisis: Food, fuel, and aid cut off as Israel pressures Hamas to comply.
Hamas Rejects Trump’s Demand, Stands Firm on Ceasefire Condition
Hamas Dismisses Trump’s Ultimatum
Hamas brushed off President Donald Trump’s warning on Thursday, stating it will not release the remaining Israeli hostages unless Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza.
The militant group accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning a ceasefire deal that was negotiated in January, under which Israel and Hamas agreed to phased prisoner exchanges and negotiations for a long-term truce.
“The best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages is through negotiations on the second phase of the agreement,” said Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua.
Trump, however, issued a harsh ultimatum on Wednesday after meeting with former hostages at the White House.
“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 Truth Social. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!”
The Stalled Ceasefire Deal
Hamas claims the U.S. and Israel are trying to replace the agreed-upon truce deal with a new U.S. proposal that does not include a permanent ceasefire.
The January agreement included:
- Phased hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- A negotiated pathway to a lasting ceasefire.
- An Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas rejected the alternative U.S. proposal, which calls for Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages immediately in exchange for an extended ceasefire, with the rest freed only after a final truce is negotiated.
Hostages Still in Hamas Custody
Hamas is believed to still hold:
- 24 living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander.
- The remains of 34 others, including those killed during the Oct. 7 attack or in captivity.
In the first phase of the ceasefire deal, Hamas freed 25 Israeli hostages and returned the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel’s Response: Aid Cutoff & Further Pressure
Israel has cut off food, fuel, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting the revised U.S. ceasefire proposal.
Netanyahu has also warned of further military action if Hamas does not comply, raising fears that fighting could soon resume.
U.S.-Hamas Talks & Uncertain Next Steps
For the first time since Hamas was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 1997, the White House has confirmed that direct talks have taken place between U.S. officials and Hamas representatives.
However, it remains unclear if any progress was made. The Trump administration has vowed to support Israel’s war objectives, which include eliminating Hamas entirely, making a negotiated truce highly complex.
Casualties & Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
- 48,000+ Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
- 17,000+ Hamas militants killed, per Israeli military estimates (Israel has not provided evidence).
- Vast destruction in Gaza, with most of its 2 million residents displaced.
- Critical shortages of food, clean water, and medical care due to ongoing blockades.
What’s Next?
Hamas remains defiant in its demand for a permanent ceasefire before any further hostage releases. Meanwhile, Israel and the U.S. are applying increasing pressure to force Hamas into a revised agreement.
With diplomatic efforts stalled and aid cut off, the coming days could determine whether negotiations resume—or the war escalates again.
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