(NewsNation) — In an apparent dismissal of a “last warning” issued by President Donald Trump, Hamas said Thursday it will only release its remaining hostages in Gaza once a permanent ceasefire with Israel is reached.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job,” Trump posted Wednesday on Truth Social. “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! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
In an overnight response, Hamas accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to back out of a ceasefire deal agreed upon in January and emphasized that plan as the path toward prisoner release, Reuters first reported.
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“The best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by the occupation going into the second phase and compelling it to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of mediators,” said Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua.
Israel recently said it supports a U.S. plan that calls for Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages immediately and the rest when a permanent ceasefire is reached. Hamas rejected the idea and sought to stick to the original agreement.
The back-and-forth brings more uncertainty about what could lie ahead. Israel has cut off the delivery of food and supplies to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into accepting the new plan and has threatened additional consequences.
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Hamas is still holding 59 hostages in Gaza, including five Americans — at least one of whom is still thought to be alive.
The White House confirmed Wednesday it spoke directly with Hamas, which is classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.
“When it comes to the negotiations … the special envoy who’s engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
