Trump Demands Hamas Release All Hostages to End Gaza War
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called on Hamas to immediately release all remaining hostages in Gaza, stating this would lead to a rapid end to the war, prompting a swift but conditional response from Hamas.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a public ultimatum on Wednesday, demanding that Hamas immediately release all 20 remaining hostages held in Gaza. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!” The president did not specify what actions he would take if Hamas complied, nor did he clarify what 'end' he was referencing, leaving ambiguity around whether he meant a ceasefire, a withdrawal, or another measure.
Hamas Responds with Conditional Offer
Shortly after Trump’s statement, Hamas officials indicated a willingness to release all Israeli captives as part of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. Senior Hamas official Izzat Al-Risheq stated that the group had already agreed in August to a mediator-brokered deal that would see all hostages exchanged for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, alongside an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas reiterated its readiness for a comprehensive deal, emphasizing that such an agreement would also require the opening of border crossings and the start of reconstruction efforts in the devastated enclave.
Israeli and International Reactions
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissed Hamas’s response as 'spin' and maintained its public stance of demanding the unconditional release of all hostages. Israeli officials have previously rejected similar proposals from Hamas, insisting that any deal must not enable Hamas to regroup or rearm. Meanwhile, families of the hostages and thousands of protesters rallied in Jerusalem, urging the government to prioritize the return of their loved ones and to consider all avenues for negotiation.
Internationally, Trump’s intervention has reframed the ongoing ceasefire talks, which have been stalled for months despite efforts by mediators from Egypt and the United States. The humanitarian toll in Gaza remains dire, with nearly 64,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023 and widespread famine reported. Rights groups continue to highlight the plight of more than 10,800 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, many under harsh conditions.
The war in Gaza, now approaching its second year, has drawn global condemnation and legal scrutiny. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders on charges of war crimes, and the International Court of Justice is hearing a genocide case against Israel. Despite mounting pressure, a durable ceasefire remains elusive, with both sides entrenched in their demands and conditions.