Hamas stated on Thursday that the repeated threats from U.S. President Trump towards Palestinians serve to embolden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allowing him to abandon the Gaza ceasefire and escalate the blockade against Gazans.
On Wednesday, Trump insisted that Hamas “must release all hostages immediately, including the remains of deceased hostages, or face dire consequences.”
In a message to Reuters, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua remarked, “The most effective way to secure the release of the remaining Israeli prisoners is for the occupation to enter the second phase and be compelled to honor the agreement established with the help of mediators.”
The ceasefire agreement for Gaza, which began in January, involved negotiations that included Trump’s envoy alongside representatives from the outgoing Biden administration. This agreement stipulates that remaining hostages should be released in a subsequent phase, during which final arrangements for ending the conflict would be discussed.
The initial phase of the ceasefire concluded on Saturday, after which Israel implemented a complete blockade on all goods entering Gaza, insisting that Hamas release the remaining hostages before any negotiations to conclude the war can commence.
Palestinians have expressed concerns that the blockade could result in widespread starvation for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza.
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“I am providing Israel with everything it requires to complete the task; no member of Hamas will be safe if you do not comply with my demands,” he stated. “To the people of Gaza: A promising future lies ahead, but only if you release the hostages. If you do not, you will face severe repercussions! Make a wise choice. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES LATER!”
