US President Donald Trump has delivered a tough ultimatum to Hamas, calling for the release of all hostages in Gaza at once.
This is the White House's confirmation of unprecedented direct talks with Hamas in the quest for the release of American hostages.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that US officials have been having "ongoing talks and discussions" with Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar. She pointed out that President Trump had authorized his envoys to "talk to anyone," affirming his administration's dedication to the protection of American lives.
Leavitt also attested that Israel was consulted prior to the negotiations.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, threatened, "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!"
He also stated, "I am sending Israel all that it requires to complete the task; none of the members of Hamas will be secure if you do not comply with me."
The revelation was made merely hours after the White House publicly confirmed its direct involvement with Hamas regarding the hostage situation, as the BBC had reported.
Up to this point, Washington has avoided direct communication with the group, consistent with a long-standing US policy that forbids contact with groups that have been labeled as terrorist organizations.
In his tweet, Trump also made a stern threat, saying there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not freed, although he did not indicate the form of support he was providing to Israel.
Telling Hamas leaders, he cautioned, "For the leadership, now is the time to get out of Gaza, before you lose your opportunity."
He also addressed civilians, tweeting, "Also, to the People of Gaza: A lovely Future awaits you, but not if you take Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!"
This is not the first such threat from Trump against Hamas.
His comment came in the aftermath of a White House meeting with released hostages who returned under a ceasefire deal.
Leavitt also reaffirmed President Trump's efforts to be doing what is in the best interest of the American people. She also underscored the efforts made by special envoy for hostages Adam Boehler and described his actions as a "good faith effort to do what's right for the American people."
A Palestinian source at the BBC said that "two direct meetings" had taken place between Hamas and an American official, after a number of previous communications.
Israeli officials say that 59 hostages are still held in Gaza, up to 24 of them are believed to be alive. Some of the detainees are US citizens.
Axios broke the news of the talks, reporting that the Qatari meetings were aimed not just at getting US hostages released but also at a possible wider deal to bring an end to the war.
The office of Israel's Prime Minister confirmed the direct talks in a statement, adding that it had "expressed its position" but giving no more details.
Reports say Boehler recently sat down with Hamas officials in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Hamas has had an office in Doha since 2012, allegedly at the behest of the Obama administration.
Qatar, a strategic Gulf state and close US ally, has a large American air base and has been a key player in numerous diplomatic negotiations, including those with Iran, the Taliban, and Russia.
In addition to the US and Egypt, Qatar has also played a key role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
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