Trump Issues Urgent Warning to Hamas in Social Media Post
In a bold declaration made via his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump fired back at Hamas, demanding that the terrorist group release all hostages immediately. This urgent post followed a poignant meeting Trump had with several former Hamas hostages who had recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for discussions regarding their harrowing experiences and the ongoing crisis.
Meeting with Former Hostages
The meeting included several individuals who had been held captive by Hamas, namely Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, Iair Horn, and Noa Argamani. Their testimonies provided critical insights into the inner workings and brutal tactics of the organization, offering a chilling perspective on the consequences faced by those who fall victim to its actions.
A Stark Message to Hamas
In his post, Trump stated, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose.” He emphasized the imperative for Hamas to “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.” This stark ultimatum highlights the former president’s unyielding stance against terrorism and his commitment to securing the release of those still in captivity.
Trump denounced Hamas, labeling them as “sick and twisted” for keeping bodies after committing acts of murder, further reinforcing his call for immediate action. His post further declared that he stands ready to support Israel with all necessary resources to ensure the completion of their objectives against Hamas. “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” he warned, underlining the gravity of the situation and the high stakes involved.
A Last Warning for Hamas Leadership
Trump also extended a warning to Hamas leadership, stating, “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.” Additionally, he aimed a message directly at 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!”
Support from Lawmakers
Senator John Fetterman, a staunch advocate for Israel’s interests, voiced his agreement with Trump’s sentiments. In a post on X, he declared, “Free all the hostages or start killing Hamas members again. I fully agree with @POTUS,” showcasing bipartisan support for the urgent need to address the hostage crisis.
Administration’s Response to Negotiations with Hamas
Trump’s emphatic statement coincided with increased scrutiny of the Biden administration’s methods in negotiating with Hamas. On the same day, during a press briefing, Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy posed a pointed question to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt regarding the administration’s apparent shift in policy toward negotiations with terrorist groups.
Doocy asked, “If the U.S. has a long-standing policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists, then why is the U.S. now negotiating directly—and for the first time ever—with Hamas?” The query reflects growing public concern about the implications of negotiating with terrorists, as well as the potential impact on future U.S. foreign policy.
Clarification from the White House
In her response, Leavitt emphasized that the special envoy engaged in negotiations has the authority to engage with all parties involved in the conflict. She specified that Israel was consulted throughout this process, highlighting the administration’s commitment to maintaining a collaborative approach to resolving the crisis affecting both American and Israeli interests.
Leavitt maintained that these are ongoing discussions and insisted on the necessity of confidentiality, stating, “I’m not going to detail them here. There are American lives at stake.” This statement underlines the delicate nature of hostage negotiations and the complexities involved in balancing national security interests with humanitarian considerations.
The Path Forward
Trump’s unequivocal warning to Hamas and the subsequent support from various political figures encapsulate the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing hostage crisis. As the U.S. navigates the complexities of international negotiations, the calls for immediate action reflect an urgent desire to resolve the crisis—both for the hostages and for regional stability.
In this fraught context, the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy regarding negotiations with terrorist organizations will continue to be a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. The contrasting approaches of past and present administrations underline the challenging landscape that leaders must navigate in ensuring national and global security.
Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
