Hamas has brushed off President Donald Trump’s latest threat and reiterated that it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Trump’s government is breaking with its longstanding policy of not talking with groups it deems to be terrorist organizations.
Hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza daily since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19​, and it was unclear what the immediate impact of the aid cutoff would be.
Trump demanded that Hamas "release all of the hostages now, not later," including the remains of dead hostages, "or it is OVER for you".
Donald Trump has proposed a U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip and the departure of its Palestinian inhabitants for reconstruction after the Israel-Hamas war
Hamas said Thursday that Donald Trump's threats would encourage Israel to disregard the fragile ceasefire, after the US president said that unless hostages are freed, the people of Gaza would be "DEAD".
Hamas’ treatment of the hostages it has been holding in captivity in the Gaza Strip is "intolerable," U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said.