In a recent development surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Hamas militant group has dismissed the latest ultimatum issued by former President Donald Trump. During a Thursday announcement, Hamas reaffirmed its position, stating that the release of the remaining Israeli hostages would only occur in tandem with the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire in the region.
Hamas has accused both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to withdraw from a ceasefire agreement established in January. This agreement set the stage for future negotiations aimed at releasing hostages in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and ultimately, an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Hamas’s spokesman, Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua, emphasized that negotiations, initially slated for early February, were to address these issues. Despite this, only preliminary discussions have taken place thus far.
On Wednesday, Trump issued what he described as a “last warning” to Hamas, following a meeting with eight former hostages. In a notable development, the White House acknowledged unprecedented direct communications with Hamas—a group considered a terrorist organization by Israel and various Western nations.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform, urging Hamas to release all hostages immediately and return the bodies of the deceased. He strongly criticized Hamas’s actions, stating, “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Both Israel and Hamas have historically retained the remains of enemies to serve as bargaining chips in hostage exchanges.
Hamas currently holds 24 living hostages taken amid the October 7, 2023, conflict, including the dual Israeli-American Edan Alexander. Additionally, it holds the bodies of 34 individuals who perished either during the attack or in subsequent captivity, along with the remains of a soldier from the 2014 conflict.
In a previous phase of the ceasefire process, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in a deal that saw nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed. This phase lasted 42 days, ending just recently.
The United States, alongside Israel, has proposed a new plan for the second phase of negotiations. Under this proposal, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages immediately, with the rest to follow upon the negotiation of a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas remains firm in its adherence to the original January agreement and has rejected this new proposal.
In response, Israel has imposed restrictions on the delivery of essential supplies—including food, fuel, and medicine—to Gaza’s population of approximately 2 million. This measure aims to pressurize Hamas into accepting the proposed arrangement. Further consequences have been threatened should Hamas not resume the release of hostages.
The progress of recent US-Hamas discussions remains uncertain. The Trump administration has pledged unwavering support for Israel’s primary war objectives: the return of all hostages and the dismantlement of Hamas, though these goals may conflict.
Hamas-led militants, in the October 7 offensive, claimed the lives of around 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and took 251 hostages. The majority of these hostages have been freed through subsequent ceasefire deals or other arrangements. Israeli forces have managed to rescue eight living hostages and recover the bodies of many more.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on the Gaza region, with over 48,000 Palestinian deaths reported—mostly women and children—according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. However, this number doesn’t distinguish between militants and civilians. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 fighters, though no supporting evidence has been provided.
The offensive has not only caused substantial destruction across Gaza but also led to widespread displacement. Thousands now reside in tents, repurposed shelters, and war-damaged structures, heavily dependent on international humanitarian aid for survival.
