- By Shibra Siddiqui
- Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:54 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump asked Hamas to release all hostages following a secret meeting with the leaders of the Palestinian militant group. He issued a stern warning to Hamas amid its ongoing disagreements over a ceasefire with Israel in the war-torn Gaza. The Oval office has confirmed holding a secret meeting with the group.
In a stark ultimatum, Trump demanded the release of hostages and return of dead bodies without delay, cautioning that failure to do so would have severe consequences. This came after the White House confirmed it was involved in direct talks with the militant group to broker a truce.
“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. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Trump posted on X.
"'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. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am… pic.twitter.com/88EjVAyWAe
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 5, 2025
The US President further said that he would give ‘everything’ to Israel it needs to ‘finish the job’ and that not a single member of the Hamas will be spared if the group fails to comply with the US President’s orders.
“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. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. 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!" he added.
After the Taliban, with whom both the Obama and Biden administrations engaged in negotiations, Hamas is the second group that the US has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and with which it has held conversations since 1977. As a matter of state policy, the US does not directly engage with such organisations.
