US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages, warning that failure to comply will result in the militant group’s annihilation. His strong message comes as negotiations for further prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, raising fears of an escalation in the conflict.

Trump made his stance clear in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform on March 6, declaring, “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.” He also assured unwavering support for Israel, stating, “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.”

The president’s message was not only directed at Hamas leadership but also at the people of Gaza, who he warned would face dire consequences if hostages were not released. “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he stated. “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

The warning follows a period of stalled ceasefire negotiations and failed efforts to broker a further hostage exchange. Since a temporary truce was signed in January, Hamas has released 38 hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli officials estimate that at least 22 hostages remain in captivity within Gaza. The latest reports suggest that efforts to secure their release have hit a deadlock, with both Hamas and Israel blaming each other for the failure to reach an agreement.

The Jerusalem Post reported on March 3 that the ongoing negotiations have not yielded any progress. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told CNN on March 5 that Trump’s aggressive rhetoric would only serve to “complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement.” Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that for the first time, the US is negotiating directly with Hamas. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on same day, “Israel was consulted on this matter.”

Trump’s warning comes in the wake of his proposal to transform post-war Gaza into what he termed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He suggested that Arab nations should take in the majority of Gaza’s displaced population and support the reconstruction of the enclave, which has been devastated by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. However, the plan was swiftly rejected by Arab states, who instead put forward their own reconstruction initiative—one that was subsequently dismissed by both the US and Israel.

The latest escalation follows Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the taking of around 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, which has since led to over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local authorities. The war has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with international organizations warning that civilians in Gaza face starvation, disease, and displacement on an unprecedented scale.

Trump’s latest remarks suggest a hardening of US policy toward Hamas, in stark contrast to previous attempts at diplomatic engagement. While Washington has previously pushed for ceasefire negotiations through intermediaries such as Qatar and Egypt, Trump’s direct intervention signals a shift toward a more confrontational approach. His administration has reiterated that Hamas’ continued holding of hostages is a non-negotiable red line and that military consequences are inevitable if they are not released.

Trump’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from world leaders and analysts. While Israeli officials have welcomed the firm stance, there are concerns that such an ultimatum could lead to a fresh wave of violence in an already volatile region. Some experts argue that Hamas may use the threat as leverage in negotiations, potentially prolonging the conflict rather than resolving it.

Arab nations, many of which have sought a diplomatic resolution, view Trump’s rhetoric as escalatory and counterproductive. Egyptian and Qatari mediators, who have been involved in ceasefire talks, fear that such an approach could derail diplomatic efforts entirely. “A solution must be found through negotiations, not ultimatums,” a senior Egyptian official told Al Jazeera on Thursday.

Meanwhile, within the US, Trump’s handling of the Gaza crisis is expected to play a significant role in shaping foreign policy discussions ahead of the upcoming elections. His firm pro-Israel stance has strengthened his support among conservative and pro-Israel voters, but critics argue that his approach could push the US deeper into an unpredictable conflict in the Middle East.

As the conflict enters yet another tense phase, all eyes will be on how Hamas responds to Trump’s warning. Will the group yield to international pressure and release the remaining hostages, or will it dig in further, risking an even more aggressive Israeli response? For now, the region remains on edge, and the world watches as a potential turning point in the war unfolds.

What is clear is that Trump’s ultimatum represents a defining moment in the US-Israel relationship and its broader Middle East strategy. If Hamas refuses to comply, it could mark the beginning of an even more intense phase of the war-one that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come.

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