'Release All Hostages Now Or Face Hell To Pay': Trump Issues Ultimatum To Hamas, Calls Terrorist Group 'Sick And Twisted'

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (6 March) delivered a stern ultimatum to Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, as reported by The Business Standard.

His warning comes after the White House confirmed that an envoy had been dispatched to Qatar for direct negotiations with Hamas.

In a forceful statement on X, Trump declared, "'Shalom Hamas' 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 murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!"

Trump also reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel, 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."

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had authorised his envoys to engage in talks with Hamas through Egyptian and Qatari mediators. 

This marks the first known direct engagement between the US and Hamas since the US designated the group a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) in 1997.

Since Hamas launched its 7 October 2023, attack on Israel, the US and Israel have relied on intermediaries for negotiations. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas is still holding approximately 24 hostages, including one American citizen, while at least 35 bodies remain in the group's possession.