Donald Trump issues ultimatum amid first direct US-Hamas talks: 'Release all hostages now or it's over'

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a forceful warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza and the return of those killed in captivity, threatening severe consequences if the militant group does not comply.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “‘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.” He added, “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.”

Trump’s message to Hamas left little room for negotiation. Addressing the group’s leaders and the people of Gaza, he warned, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.”

The post came as White House officials confirmed that US representatives engaged in direct talks with Hamas in Doha, Qatar, a departure from longstanding American policy of avoiding direct engagement with the group, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the State Department since 1997.

US-Hamas talks

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide details of the discussions but confirmed that Trump has authorised his envoys to “talk to anyone” to secure the release of American hostages. The discussions are the first known direct engagement between the US and Hamas since the war began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

“Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something the president…believes is a good-faith effort,” Leavitt said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the talks but did not elaborate, saying only, “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas,” reported the Associated Press.

Israeli officials estimate that about 24 hostages, including at least one American, remain alive in Hamas captivity, while at least 35 bodies are believed to be held in Gaza.

Trump meets former hostages

On Wednesday, Trump met with eight former hostages at the White House. According to Leavitt, the president “listened intently to their heartbreaking stories” and they thanked Trump “for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home.”

The meeting came as negotiations over a potential new ceasefire remain in flux. A proposal, reportedly drafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff, would require Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire and the possibility of a lasting truce. Unlike previous deals, the plan does not include the release of additional Palestinian prisoners.