Washington D.C. – Axios, March 05, 2025
President Trump told Hamas he will greenlight additional Israeli military strikes on Gaza unless the group releases its remaining hostages.
Why it matters: Trump’s ultimatum comes during direct negotiations in Doha between his envoy for hostages affairs Adam Boehler and Hamas officials in an effort to reach a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.
– Trump issued the ultimatum after a meeting with six hostages who were released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.
– Hamas is still holding 59 hostages in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed 35 are dead. Israeli intelligence believes 22 are still alive, and the status of two others is unknown.
-Among the remaining hostages are five Americans, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander who is believed to be alive.
What they are saying: “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. 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,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
