Trump orders Hamas to release all hostage remains
Donald Trump has ordered Hamas to release the remains of all deceased Israeli hostages or else claims: “It is over for you”, according to The National on March 5th.
Whilst Trump has offered Hamas similar ultimatums previously, the timing of this is of acute significance.
The ceasefire that was signed between Israel and Hamas on the 15th of January 2025 however, less than two months later it hands in the balance.
Israel has blocked aid supplies in recent days, accusing Hamas of stealing from civilians.
Trump has offered U.S support should Israel resume the conflict and insists that if Hamas does not submit to the terms of the ceasefire, then Israel will reenter Gaza, as reported by Maghrebi.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to offer the latest ‘instructions’ to Hamas, writing: “Shalam Hamas means hello and goodbye – you can choose” going on to add that, “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted.”
Trump doubled down on the fact that he is wiling to send Israel everything it needs to get the job done and that “no Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
Despite threats to the existence of the ceasefire, White House officials have been speaking directly to Hamas in the hopes of finding a resolution.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said that Israel had been consulted on the talks however she refused to provide any further information other than that: “Dialogue and talking to people around the world…is something that the President has proven is what he believes”.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying they had relayed their position to the U.S ahead of the talks with Hamas.
Israel and Hamas have both claimed they are ready to move into the second phase of the ceasefire, which would see the release of remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.
However, this would require Hamas to cede military control of Gaza, something that Hamas is unwilling to do thus meaning that the current ceasefire remains in a precarious position.
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