Baghdad: US President Donald Trump warned, late Wednesday, the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas of “severe consequences” if all prisoners are not immediately freed. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated, “this is your last warning. For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” warning that Hamas leaders would not be safe if they failed to comply.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Trump also directed a message to the people of Gaza, saying, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are dead! Make a smart decision,” he said. The Israeli occupation decided early Sunday to halt all humanitarian aid entering Gaza following the end of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
The US confirmed earlier that it is holding direct negotiations with Hamas for the release of American prisoners in Gaza. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated regarding this matter that “the special envoy who is engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone.”