The United States has broken a long-standing diplomatic taboo by conducting secret talks with Hamas to secure the release of US hostages held in the Gaza Strip, sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
The US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, has the authority to engage in direct talks with Hamas, the White House confirmed in response to a question about the negotiations, which represent a departure from the decades-long policy of not negotiating with groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US.
Boehler and Hamas representatives met in Doha in recent weeks, according to two sources familiar with the talks, though it was unclear who represented Hamas.
Meanwhile, Trump met a group of recently released hostages at the White House, who were freed as part of a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip and issued a new, explicit threat against Hamas on social media.
Trump warned Hamas on Truth Social: “I’ll give Israel everything it needs to end the matter. Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do what I say.” This is “the last warning” he stated. For the Hamas leadership, the time has come to leave the Gaza Strip while still having the chance, he said.
Addressing the public, Trump wrote: “A wonderful future awaits you, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you’re dead. Make a wise decision and release the hostages, or you’ll pay later.” The people should make a “wise decision” and free the hostages or they would suffer the consequences later.
Trump’s warning recalled his “break hell loose” threat before his return to the White House on January 20, which was followed by the ceasefire and hostage agreement that he had advocated for before the departure of former President Joe Biden. Trump did not specify what measures he would take if Hamas did not comply.
The Palestinian military group in the Gaza Strip condemned Trump’s warning, saying it showed the intention of his administration to partner in the “crimes of genocide” against their people. “Trump’s today’s threats clearly reveal the ugly face of the United States of America and show their lack of seriousness and their departure from the agreement they mediated” the Hamas said further.