President Donald Trump has once again issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening severe consequences if the group does not release all remaining hostages, including an American-Israeli individual. This latest message serves as Trump’s final warning to Hamas, stating that there will be serious repercussions if they do not comply. Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the release of the hostages immediately to avoid facing the consequences later on. The President vowed to provide full support to Israel to ensure the safe return of the hostages and warned that no Hamas member would be immune if his demands were not met. Trump’s strong message followed a meeting with recently released hostages from Gaza, where he listened to their emotional stories and reaffirmed his commitment to bringing all hostages home. The parents of the American-Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander, were also present during Trump’s address to Congress, underscoring the gravity of the situation. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, echoed Trump’s warning, indicating that action would be taken if the hostages were not released promptly. Hamas downplayed Trump’s threats, dismissing them as attempts to bolster Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite the escalating tensions, Hamas remained defiant, asserting that they would not be swayed by Trump’s rhetoric. In response to the threats, a Hamas military spokesperson warned of dire consequences if aggression against their people escalated further. With negotiations for a ceasefire in a delicate state, the situation remains tense, with potential for further conflict.
The recent decision to resume arms sales to Israel marks a change from what was described as a “partial arms embargo” put in place by former President Joe Biden. Biden clarified that the only interruption in arms supply was a temporary hold on a shipment of MK-84 2,000-pound bombs in May 2024, citing concerns about potential harm to Palestinian civilians if these weapons were used in densely populated areas of Gaza. This pause was lifted by President Trump upon his return to the White House.
Following an announced extension of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire through Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday until April 20, Israel initiated a blockade on the entry of food and other supplies to Gaza. The ceasefire extension was rejected by Hamas, who insisted on a comprehensive agreement that includes a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal before releasing the remaining captives.
In ongoing negotiations with Hamas at an emergency Arab League summit in Cairo, U.S. officials supported the Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza with a focus on protecting the Palestinian population, a plan that Israel has opposed.
The situation escalated as Trump issued threats of “hell” if Hamas did not comply with demands to release all hostages by a specified deadline. Despite the ultimatum passing without full compliance, Hamas released three hostages as per the original ceasefire terms. The seventh and final hostage exchange of the initial phase took place on Feb. 26, involving the return of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for bodies of Israeli citizens.
Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to still be alive. Alexander is the sole remaining American-Israeli hostage in captivity. Trump’s persistent warnings of retaliation have been ongoing since before he officially took office on Jan. 20.
This report was contributed to by ABC News correspondents Morgan Winsor, Will Gretsky, Ellie Kaufman, Shannon Kingston, and Kelsey Walsh.
