LAST UPDATE | 6 Mar

HAMAS HAS SAID that Donald Trump’s threats would encourage Israel to disregard the fragile ceasefire, after the US president said that unless hostages are freed, the people of Gaza would be “DEAD”.

Trump’s warning came hours after his administration revealed it held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, which it proscribes as a “terrorist” group, focused on American hostages in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel was consulted and said in a statement that it “expressed its opinion” on the direct talks.

Trump said later he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” as his administration expedites billions of dollars in weapons.

“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 wrote on his Truth Social platform after meeting freed hostages.

“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”

Trump also warned of repercussions for Gaza as a whole, where virtually the entire population has been displaced by Israel’s relentless military campaign in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.

“To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim said Trump’s words pushed Israel to disregard the terms of the ceasefire deal.

“These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms,” Qasim said in a statement, urging the United States to pressure Israel to enter the ceasefire’s second phase.

Since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January, Israel has failed to allow the delivery of the agreed level of aid to Gaza, while also killing Palestinians and now halting aid deliveries altogether. 

The decision to halt the delivery of aid has been condemned as an attempt to use starvation as a weapon of war, a crime for which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court. 

The first phase of a ceasefire ended over the weekend after six weeks that saw exchanges of Israeli and Palestinian captives.

While Israel has said it wants to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on continuing with the existing agreement by transitioning to the second phase, which is supposed to lead to a permanent end to the war.

People wait to receive food relief during Ramadan in Gaza City, on March 4, 2025. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

“Hamas has indeed suffered a severe blow, but it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet accomplished,” Israel’s new military chief Eyal Zamir warned yesterday.

Also on Wednesday, France, Britain and Germany jointly called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “catastrophic,” and urged Israel to ensure the “unhindered” delivery of aid.

South Africa said Israel’s restriction of aid into Gaza amounted to using starvation as a weapon of war.

Talks with Hamas 

Trump’s threat against the Palestinians in Gaza came after the United States confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, with the US envoy on hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, discussing American hostages.

“Look, dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president” believes is right, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The United States had refused direct contact with the Palestinian militants since it designated them as a terrorist organization in 1997. But Leavitt said that the hostage envoy “has the authority to talk to anyone”.

Both the White House and Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel was consulted in advance.

Five Americans are believed to remain among the hostages – four have been confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, is believed to be alive.

In an interview last night, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Hamas to take Trump’s threats seriously.

“He doesn’t say these things and not mean it, as folks are finding out around the world. If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it,” Rubio said.

With reporting from AFP

Need more information on what is happening in Israel and Palestine? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to navigating the news online.