• Source:JND
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Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua has reiterated that negotiations remain the “best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages” still held in Gaza. Talks on this matter were originally set to begin in early February, but so far, only limited preparatory discussions have taken place. Hamas continues to push for further negotiations while accusing Israel of stalling the process.

The issue took a sharp turn on Wednesday when US President Donald Trump issued a forceful ultimatum to Hamas following a meeting with eight former hostages. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump delivered what he called a “last warning” to the militant group, demanding the immediate release of all remaining captives.

Trump Warns Hamas: ‘Release Hostages Now or It’s Over for You’

“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. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” His remarks came amid mounting international pressure on both Israel and Hamas to find a resolution.

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that it had engaged in unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, and several Western countries. The nature and extent of these discussions remain unclear, but they mark a notable shift in diplomatic efforts to resolve the hostage crisis.

Hamas, however, has pushed back against Trump's threats, arguing that his rhetoric is complicating efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire. According to Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, such statements embolden Israel to resist further negotiations.

“These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage [Israel] to refrain from implementing its terms,” Qassem told Turkey’s Anadolu news agency. He further accused Israel of failing to uphold its end of the agreement, claiming that while Hamas had fulfilled its obligations under the first phase of the deal, Israel had yet to commit to entering the second phase of negotiations.

“The US administration is required to pressure the occupation to enter negotiations for the second phase, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement,” Qassem added. Hamas insists that a continued diplomatic process remains the only viable solution to the hostage situation.