Hamas Dismisses Trump’s Threat, Demands Truce for Hostages

In a tense development, the militant group Hamas refuted U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum on Thursday. The group reiterated that the release of Israeli hostages still in captivity will only occur in exchange for a long-lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Hamas accused both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to retract from a prior ceasefire agreement forged in January. Under this agreement, discussions were to commence over a second phase involving hostages being exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua emphasized that the best avenue for releasing the remaining Israeli hostages lies in negotiations pertaining to this second phase, which was scheduled to start in early February. To date, only restricted preparatory discussions have taken place.

On Wednesday, President Trump issued what he termed a “last warning” to Hamas following a meeting with eight former hostages. The White House verified that it had engaged in unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, which is viewed as a terrorist organization by Israel and allied Western nations. “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 asserted on his Truth Social platform. Both Israel and Hamas have a history of retaining their opponents’ remains for hostage-prisoner swap deals.

Reports indicate that Hamas still holds 24 living hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, incursion that set off the recent conflict. The group also possesses the remains of 34 individuals, who were either killed during the initial attack or died while in captivity, alongside a soldier’s remains from the 2014 war. In the initial ceasefire phase, lasting 42 days and concluding on Saturday, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the corpses of eight others in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees.

Israel backs a proposed U.S. plan for the next phase, which would entail the immediate release of half the remaining hostages, with the rest being freed upon the negotiation of a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has rejected this proposal and reaffirms its adherence to the January agreement. In an effort to pressure Hamas into accepting this new framework, Israel has obstructed supplies of food, fuel, and medicine to the approximately two million inhabitants of Gaza. The country has warned of “additional consequences” should Hamas not continue with hostage releases.

It remains uncertain whether the talks between the U.S. and Hamas have made any headway. The Trump administration remains committed to supporting Israel’s primary war aims, which include the return of all hostages and the complete elimination of Hamas—objectives that might be at odds. According to Mkhaimar Abusada, a political science scholar at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University currently residing in Egypt, direct discussions between the U.S. and Hamas could complicate Israel’s ability to renew combat operations. “The current U.S. administration is trying to avoid a return to war in Gaza in all possible ways,” Abusada commented.

Meanwhile, Egypt announced plans on Thursday to host an international conference to garner financial backing for a Gaza reconstruction initiative proposed at the recent Arab Summit in Cairo. Although a date has yet to be released, the conference intends to gather financial commitments for a $53 billion five-year scheme, as indicated by Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf. Egyptian and Arab authorities will embark on a global tour, including a significant stop in Washington, to further advocate for this “workable and realistic plan” to benefit all involved parties.

The initial attack on October 7, perpetrated by Hamas-led militants, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages were seized. Following various ceasefire agreements and separate arrangements, the majority have been freed. Israeli forces successfully rescued eight living hostages and retrieved a significant number of bodies. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with Israel claiming the elimination of over 17,000 fighters, though proof remains scant.

The ongoing military campaign has devastated large areas of Gaza, displacing the majority of its residents. With many living in tents and makeshift shelters, the population heavily relies on international assistance.

Adding another layer of complexity to the humanitarian crisis, the United Nations’ humanitarian chief sounded an urgent alarm on Thursday. Tom Fletcher highlighted that U.S. funding cuts to foreign aid have significantly hindered their life-saving operations. Addressing the U.N. Security Council, Fletcher stressed the critical nature of pace in funding withdrawal, which only exacerbates the dire scenario faced. He requested partners to identify areas requiring relief.