Trump to Hamas: Release all Israeli hostages now or face hell

United States President Donald Trump has given Hamas an ultimatum to release all hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel or “there will be hell to pay”.

In a Truth Social post late Wednesday night, Trump said he was sending Israel everything it needs to “finish the job”, warning that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say”.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, had vowed to wipe out the Palestinian militant group.

Trump’s directive comes just hours after the White House confirmed it is holding direct talks with Hamas over the hostages.

Washington has until now avoided direct engagement with the group, and there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with entities it lists as terrorist organisations.

“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,” the US president said.

“This is your last warning!”

This is not the first time Trump has threatened Hamas.

Last December, he said there would be “all hell to pay” if hostages were not released by the time he took office.

The president also restated his stance on “rebuilding” Gaza, in what appeared to be a veiled threat to residents of the embattled enclave.

“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he said.

“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.”

Israel says there are still 59 hostages being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. US citizens are also among the captives.

The ceasefire reached in January, which saw both sides of the war swap hostages, is now in limbo after Hamas said it would only release the remaining prisoners if Israel ends the war.