Trump Warns Hamas During Historic US-Gaza Hostage Negotiations

Trump has warned Hamas as the United States engages in historic talks to secure the release of the prisoners in Gaza.

By holding covert talks with Hamas to negotiate the release of US detainees in Gaza, the US has violated a long-standing diplomatic protocol, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, sent a clear warning to the Palestinian militant group, saying that if it didn’t comply, “hell to pay.”

The White House stated that US captive issues envoy Adam Boehler has been given permission to speak with Hamas directly when questioned about the conversations. This represents a dramatic change from the United States’ long-standing policy of not engaging in dialogue with organizations it has classified as terrorist organizations.

Two people who were informed on the discussions said that Boehler and Hamas representatives met in Doha in recent weeks, though it is still unknown who spoke on behalf of Hamas.

A group of hostages recently freed under a ceasefire agreement in Gaza visited President Trump at the White House. He called on Hamas to “release all of the hostages now, not later” in a social media post, even the bodies of dead prisoners.

“I’m giving Israel everything it needs to complete the task. Trump wrote, “If you don’t follow my instructions, not a single Hamas member will be safe.” A lovely future is in store for the people of Gaza, but not if they hold hostages. Should you do so, you will die! Make a choice that is SMART. There will be hell to pay later if the hosts are not released now.

Trump’s warning was reminiscent of his earlier “hell to pay” promise prior to his mid-January truce and hostage agreement, which came after his return to the White House on January 20. Before then-President Joe Biden stepped down, he had claimed credit for that accord. But as before, Trump did not say what he would do if Hamas wasn’t willing to comply.

Trump’s remarks were denounced by the Palestinian Mujahideen military organization in Gaza, which charged that his government was involved in “genocide against our people.” Such charges have been refuted by Israel.

The organization stated that Trump’s threats today “clearly reveal the ugly face of the United States of America and show its lack of seriousness and its renunciation of the agreement it mediated.” Hamas has not yet addressed Trump’s comments.

Historically, the United States has avoided direct confrontation with Hamas, which on October 7, 2023, launched a cross-border incursion into southern Israel, sparking a conflict that, according to Gaza health officials, has killed over 48,000 Palestinians. Since 1997, Hamas has been categorized as a terrorist group by the US State Department.

According to one source, the current diplomatic endeavor involves negotiating the release of Edan Alexander, a hostage from Tenafly, New Jersey, who is thought to be the final surviving American prisoner owned by Hamas. In November 2024, Hamas released a video in which he appeared.