Donald Trump issued a “last warning” not only to Hamas but the residents of Gaza, cautioning in a blunt message that should they do nothing to return the remaining Oct.7 hostages in the terror group’s captivity, only death awaits.
The president made the harrowing ultimatum in a post on Truth Social hours after he met with eight of the released hostages from Gaza, including Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov and Eli Sharabi.
“The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories,” a statement from the press secretary said. “The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home.”
Subsequently, Trump told the people of Gaza that “a beautiful future awaits” should the hostages be released, adding, “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.”
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose,” Trump wrote. “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!
“Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed,” Trump continued.
“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
The message came after the White House earlier confirmed that the U.S. was in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas officials—the first-known direct engagement since it was designated a terrorist group by the State Department in 1997, according to the Associated Press.
Speaking to Fox News’ Jesse Watters on Wednesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said he doesn’t “mind what Trump does, ’cause I trust Trump.”
Referencing Trump’s Truth Social post, Graham said: “That’s the kind of leadership we need, so I trust Trump as long as he’s in the room, I’m OK.” Graham joked “shalom” in South Carolina translated to, “we’re going to kick your a--.”
The outlet notes that according to Israeli intelligence, approximately 24 living hostages, as well as the bodies of at least 35 others, are believed to still be held in Gaza.
Trump was criticized last month after posting an AI-generated video of a future Gaza filled with gold statues of Trump, money falling from the sky and luxurious beach resorts, complete with a shirtless Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In December last year, Trump warned Hamas there would be “all hell to pay” should the hostages not be released by the time he entered office.
