Trump threatens Palestinians in Gaza: If you hold captives, ‘you are DEAD’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Hamas and the people of Gaza regarding the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. Trump warned again on social media that if the hostages are not released, they will face "consequences from hell." This strong stance reflects his unwavering support for Israel and a hardline approach to dealing with Hamas.

In his post, Trump wrote: "This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance." He also told the people of Gaza: "A wonderful future awaits you, but only if you do not hold hostages. If you do, you are doomed! Make a wise decision." These statements highlight the ultimatum he's presenting to both Hamas leaders and the Gazan population, urging them to act in their best interests.

Trump's remarks came hours before the White House confirmed that the United States is in negotiations with Hamas. Previously, Trump had called for the forced relocation of all residents of Gaza and for the United States to "own" the Palestinian territory. It remains unclear how the "wonderful future" Trump promised to the residents of Gaza would fit into his envisioned plan of ethnic cleansing, as he stated that under his proposal, Palestinians would not be able to return to the area. This raises serious questions about the feasibility and ethical implications of his proposals.

Trump further stated: "'Shalom Hamas' means hello and goodbye—the choice is yours. Release all the hostages now, not later, and immediately return the bodies of all those you have murdered, or you are finished. Only sick and twisted people hold onto bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am giving Israel everything it needs to get this job done, and if you don't do as I say, no member of Hamas will be safe." His aggressive tone and direct threats underscore his determination to see the hostages released and Hamas held accountable.

It is worth noting that for years, Israel has withheld the bodies of hundreds of Palestinians as bargaining chips, a practice known as "corpse violence." While Trump has made similar threats in the past, Hamas insists that hostages can only be released as part of a ceasefire agreement. The first phase of the agreement ended last week, but Israel has refused to move to the next phase of the ceasefire, which would lead to a permanent end to the war and the release of all hostages. Instead, with Trump's support, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government is seeking to extend the first phase in order to release more hostages without committing to a permanent ceasefire.

Furthermore, Israel has blockaded Gaza, preventing humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, and medicine, from entering, a move that has drawn strong protests from the United Nations and countries around the world. Netanyahu already faces arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation and calls for an end to the conflict and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.