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President Donald Trump released a post on Wednesday giving Hamas a “final warning” to release its remaining hostages.
The president shared the strong words in a statement on his Truth Social account.
“‘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. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Trump wrote.
Trump added that he is sending Israel what it needs to “finish the job,” warning Hamas members to change immediately.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, 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. This is your last warning!” he continued.
“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!” Trump said.
The statement came after the president met with eight former Hamas hostages on Wednesday in the Oval Office. They shared stories of their captivity, with Trump committing to bringing the remaining hostages home.
Trump also addressed the situation in the Middle East during his speech to a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday.
“In the Middle East, we’re bringing back our hostages from Gaza. In my first term, we achieved one of the most groundbreaking peace agreements in generations: the Abraham Accords. And now we’re going to build on that foundation, to create a more peaceful and prosperous future for the entire region,” he said.
According to Israel, Hamas is still holding 59 captives in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. The hostages were taken captive on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking over 200 hostages to Gaza.