Updated: Trump Warns Hamas, Confirms Direct Talks on Hostages

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Updated: Trump Warns Hamas, Confirms Direct Talks on Hostages \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages and the return of the dead. His statement followed the White House’s confirmation that U.S. officials engaged in direct negotiations with Hamas in Doha, Qatar. The unprecedented talks focused on American hostages and the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Trump’s Warning and U.S.-Hamas Talks – Quick Looks

Trump’s Ultimatum: The president warned Hamas to release all hostages or face severe consequences.
U.S. Breaks Precedent: For the first time, U.S. officials engaged in direct talks with Hamas.
Talks Held in Doha: Negotiations occurred last month with Qatari and Egyptian mediation.
No Immediate Progress: A Hamas official called the discussions “promising” but said no agreement was reached.
Ceasefire Uncertainty: Israel is prepared to resume combat if Hamas doesn’t accept a new truce proposal.
Hostages in Gaza: At least 24 captives, including American citizen Edan Alexander, remain in captivity.
Trump Pledges Support for Israel: He vowed to send Israel all necessary resources to defeat Hamas.
Former Hostages Meet Trump: Eight freed captives visited the White House to share their stories.

Deep Look

Trump’s Final Warning to Hamas

President Donald Trump issued a forceful ultimatum to Hamas on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza and the return of the bodies of those killed.

“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!”

His statement came shortly after the White House confirmed that U.S. officials had engaged in direct talks with Hamas, a significant departure from longstanding U.S. policy. The discussions took place in Doha, Qatar, with mediation from Egyptian and Qatari officials.

First Direct U.S.-Hamas Talks Since 1997

The Biden administration had refused to engage directly with Hamas, which the U.S. State Department has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997. However, Trump’s White House broke precedent by sending Adam Boehler, the president’s nominee for special envoy for hostage affairs, to meet Hamas officials.

According to a Hamas representative, the negotiations focused on:

The release of American hostages.
The potential end of the war in Gaza, excluding Hamas from power.

While no breakthrough was made, the Hamas official described the talks as a “promising step,” suggesting that more discussions could follow.

Ceasefire and Hostage Deal in Limbo

The negotiations come amid ongoing uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

A new U.S.-backed ceasefire plan proposes:

Hamas releasing half of its remaining hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire.
A commitment to negotiate a permanent truce.

Unlike previous deals, the plan does not include Israel releasing additional Palestinian prisoners, a key Hamas demand.

Despite the push for diplomacy, Trump has made it clear that he will not pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold back military action. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Israel’s fight against Hamas, saying, “I’m sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.”

White House Defends Direct Engagement with Hamas

The revelation of U.S.-Hamas talks marks a major shift in diplomatic strategy. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, stating:

“Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something the president believes is a good-faith effort.”

She added that Israeli officials had been briefed on the discussions, though Netanyahu’s office issued only a brief response: “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.”

Hostage Crisis: American Lives at Stake

Israeli officials estimate that at least 24 living hostages, including U.S. citizen Edan Alexander, remain captive in Gaza. At least 35 others are believed to have been killed.

The hostage situation remains one of the key factors driving international negotiations. Trump’s administration has prioritized the return of American citizens, leading to the unprecedented direct engagement with Hamas.

Trump Meets Former Hostages at the White House

On Wednesday, Trump hosted eight former hostages at the White House, including:

Iair Horn
Omer Shem Tov
Eli Sharabi
Keith and Aviva Siegel
Naama Levy
Doron Steinbrecher
Noa Argamani

Press secretary Leavitt stated that the president “listened intently to their heartbreaking stories,” and that the hostages expressed gratitude for his commitment to securing the release of those still in captivity.

Political and Diplomatic Fallout

Trump’s decision to engage with Hamas is already generating political debate. Supporters argue that prioritizing hostage recovery is necessary, even if it requires breaking traditional diplomatic barriers. Critics warn that direct negotiations with a designated terrorist organization risk legitimizing Hamas and undermining U.S. counterterrorism policies.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government remains firm on its stance that Hamas must be eliminated, raising questions about whether ongoing ceasefire efforts will hold.

What Happens Next?

More U.S.-Hamas Talks? While no agreement was reached, further discussions may be possible.
Ceasefire Uncertainty: If Hamas rejects the latest deal, Israel is expected to resume full-scale military operations.
Increased U.S. Involvement? The Trump administration may take further action to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.
Continued U.S.-Israel Cooperation: Trump has pledged full military and financial support for Israel’s objectives in Gaza.

With tensions at an all-time high, the next steps in this crisis will determine the future of the region’s stability and the fate of those still held captive.