Latest Developments
No Hamas Member Safe: President Donald Trump issued a “final warning” to the Iran-backed Hamas terrorist group and allied organizations holding Israeli hostages in Gaza. “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye — You can choose,” Trump wrote on his social media accounts on March 5. “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,” he continued. Denouncing Hamas as “sick and twisted,” Trump stated that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” and that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
Phase Two Would Keep Hamas in Power: Trump’s statement came after a meeting with former Israeli hostages in the Oval Office, during which they praised the president’s efforts on their behalf. Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua said in a text message to Reuters that Trump’s threats “represent support to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to evade the agreement and tightens the siege and starvation against our people.” Phase one of the January 19 ceasefire deal expired on March 1, but both sides have failed to reach an agreement to begin the deal’s second phase, which stipulates an end to hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops while leaving Hamas in control of Gaza.
Secret Talks With Hamas Revealed: Earlier in the day, Axiosreported that the Trump administration had been holding secret direct talks with Hamas, led by U.S. presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler, hoping to assemble a broader deal to release the remaining 59 hostages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the talks were ongoing during a press briefing, saying that Israel was consulted about the talks and that “dialogue and talking to people around the world” represents a “good faith” effort by Trump to do “what’s right for the American people.” Netanyahu’s office confirmed that “Israel expressed its stance” to the United States regarding direct talks with Hamas.
FDD Expert Response
“If the reporting is true and presidential hostage envoy Adam Boehler has been directly meeting with Hamas, it would be a break from long-standing U.S. policy. However, Trump tends to buck conventional wisdom, often yielding good results. While some may not like the White House’s unconventional tactics, there is an understanding among Israelis that this president has dedicated significant resources and political capital toward bringing hostages home and a belief that Trump may be able to achieve what his predecessor failed to do.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network
“Against the backdrop of direct U.S. negotiations with Hamas over the release of hostages, President Trump’s public ultimatum may have been a strategic move to emphasize the potential consequences of noncompliance. However, rhetoric has limits when directed at Hamas, and this approach may not work. Ultimately, the decision to release some or all of the hostages rests with Hamas leaders in Gaza, who retain control over the remaining captives.” —Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
FDD Background and Analysis
“Trump Administration Expedites Major Arms Sale to Israel,” FDD Flash Brief
“What does Donald Trump’s ‘Hell to Pay’ look like?” by Bonnie Glick
“‘All Hell to Pay’: President-elect Trump Issues Strident Demand to Release Hostages in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief
Issues:
Israel Israel at War Palestinian Politics