Gaza: Hamas has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of backing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to sidestep the terms of the Gaza ceasefire, effectively tightening the blockade on the enclave.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanou criticized Trump’s recent statements, calling them an endorsement of Israel’s siege and a means of pressuring the group. “Trump’s repeated threats against our people provide Netanyahu with cover to violate the agreement and worsen the blockade and starvation of our people,” al-Qanou stated.
His comments followed a series of forceful social media posts by Trump, in which he demanded Hamas to release all hostages, including the bodies of those who died in captivity. “Release all of the hostages now, not later, or it is OVER for you,” Trump wrote. He also pledged to provide Israel with all necessary support to eliminate Hamas members if the hostages were not freed. Addressing Gaza’s residents, he warned, “If you hold hostages, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
Trump’s remarks came after reports that a U.S. envoy engaged in direct negotiations with Hamas, breaking from Washington’s long-standing policy of non-engagement with the group, which it classifies as a “terrorist” organization. Egyptian security officials confirmed that these talks, facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, had taken place.
Under the ceasefire agreement implemented in January, a second phase of negotiations was meant to secure the release of remaining Israeli captives while working toward ending the war. However, the first phase concluded on Saturday without reaching that goal, leading Israel to impose a blockade on goods entering Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release the hostages before peace talks resume.
The blockade has raised fears of severe humanitarian consequences, with Palestinians warning it could lead to starvation among the 2.3 million people trapped in Gaza.
Many Palestinians condemned Trump’s latest remarks, especially after his earlier suggestions that Gaza residents should be relocated and that the area could be transformed into a luxury coastal destination.
