Hamas is believed to still hold about 50 hostages in Gaza, though U.S. and Israeli officials estimate that fewer than half remain alive.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump delivered what he called his “last warning” to the terror group.
Trump’s Ultimatum
“Everyone wants the hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well.”
Donald Trump
“I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!” he added.
The remarks marked Trump’s strongest statement yet since talks stalled over the summer.
Failed Negotiations
In July, U.S. and Israeli negotiators pulled out of Qatar after Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas showed “a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire.”
Witkoff warned that Hamas was negotiating in bad faith and only seeking time to regroup.
On Aug. 26, he told Fox News that Trump wanted hostages home “that week,” noting a deal had sat on the table for nearly two months.
According to U.S. officials, Hamas has repeatedly blocked terms that would have freed at least 10 hostages.
Trump has said the remaining captives will only be freed once Hamas is “confronted and destroyed.”
Americans are among those kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, massacre.
Israel Prepares Offensive
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing a new offensive against Hamas positions.
Israeli officials have urged civilians to evacuate areas that will soon see heavy fighting.
But analysts warn Hamas fighters may exploit the evacuations to shed uniforms and blend into civilian crowds.
This tactic was used by insurgents in Iraq in 2003 and is expected again in Gaza.
The Bigger Picture
Trump has long argued that Hamas cannot be trusted in negotiations.
Critics of Hamas point to its history of rejecting ceasefire offers and using truces to rearm.
As one U.S. official put it, Hamas is “100% to blame for the suffering in Gaza and every atrocity committed since October 7.”
