Jerusalem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hamas said United States President Trump’s constant threats against Palestinians constituted support for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the Gaza ceasefire and boost the siege of Gazans.
U.S. president demanded that Hamas
“release all of the hostages now, not later,”
And the remains of the dead hostages as well,
“or it is OVER for you”.
As reported by Reuters, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua stated:
“The best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by the occupation going into the second phase and compelling it to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of mediators.”
How does Trump’s stance influence hostage negotiations?
The Gaza ceasefire agreement, which came into force in January, was bargained with Trump’s envoy participating alongside representatives of the outgoing Biden administration. It calls for remaining hostages to be released in a second phase, during which final procedures would be negotiated for a stop to the war.
The first stage of the ceasefire concluded, and Israel has since set a total blockade on all goods entering Gaza, insisting that Hamas release remaining hostages without starting the negotiations to finish the war. Palestinians express the blockade could lead to starvation among the 2.3 million people living in Gaza’s ruins.
Trump issued his new threats after a White House session with a group of hostages who had been freed in the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,”
He said.
“Also, to the People of Gaza: 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!”
It has also come to light that the sharp language from Trump came after the White House said that U.S. officials have committed in
“ongoing talks and discussions”
With Hamas officials, moving away from a long-held U.S. policy of not directly contending with the militant body.
