Donald Trump warns Hamas ‘you are dead’ if it doesn’t release hostages
President Donald Trump has aired a ‘last warning’ to Hamas to free hostages or see the US send Israel all it needs to ‘finish the job’.
Trump posted his chilling threat on Truth Social shortly after welcoming eight freed hostages to the Oval Office. His apparent willingness to give Israel a blank check stands in stark contrast to his decision to literally turn the tap off on aid to Ukraine amid peace negotiations.
‘”Shalom Hamas” means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose,’ wrote Trump late afternoon on Wednesday.
‘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 continued that ‘only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!’
‘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,’ he stated.
‘I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!’
Trump met with eight hostages from Gaza: Noa Argamani, Iair Horn, Naama Levy, Eli Sharabi, Aviva Siegel, Keith Siegel, Doron Steinbrecher and Omer Shem Tov.
He ‘listened intently to their heartbreaking stories’ and they thanked him ‘for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home’, stated White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump told the terrorist group’s leadership on social media that ‘now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance’.
‘Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!’ he concluded.
‘Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!’
Leavitt, who shared a photo of the hostages standing behind Trump in the Oval Office, confirmed that administration officials have been speaking with Hamas directly to see through the release of at least some of the remaining hostages.
Trump has sent multiple threats to Hamas, including as president-elect in December when he posted: ‘Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East.’
