The United States President Donald Trump posted a message on his social media platform, Truth Social, Thursday evening, directed at Hamas, demanding the immediate release of captives and the return of deceased bodies of those allegedly killed by the group.
“Shalom Hamas,” Trump wrote, “which means Hello and Goodbye — You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you have murdered, or it is OVER for you.”
Trump criticized Hamas for holding onto the bodies of those killed, saying, “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” He made it clear that “Israel” would receive all the necessary support to “finish the job,” stating, “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.”
In his post, Trump also mentioned a meeting with former captives whose lives had been destroyed as he stated, reinforcing the urgency of his message. He issued a final warning to Hamas leadership, urging them to leave Gaza: “Now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
Addressing the people of Gaza, Trump warned, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.” He ended with a stark ultimatum: “RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
Trump’s post marks a significant escalation in rhetoric, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding captives negotiations and the broader conflict.
