Trump Warns Gaza: “Keep Hostages, You’re Dead”

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Gaza's population, stating that anyone holding hostages will face the death penalty.

Presidential Ultimatum

On March 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, the Islamist group ruling Gaza, through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating: “The time to leave Gaza is now”. He demanded the release of hostages, warning that failure to comply could lead to dire consequences for the “people of Gaza”.

A New Diplomatic Strategy

Alongside the ultimatum, a diplomatic breakthrough was announced: for the first time, direct contacts between the United States and Hamas have been confirmed. This represents a significant shift from the long-standing U.S. policy of not engaging directly with groups labeled as terrorists, a designation applied to Hamas since 1997.

Israel’s Pivotal Role

Israel remains a key player in this scenario. President Trump declared his commitment to supply Israel with “everything it needs to finish the job” in Gaza. Additionally, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had been “consulted” during negotiations with Hamas.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel has halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, drawing condemnation from the UN. Moreover, the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, according to figures from both the Hamas Health Ministry and the UN. The conflict that erupted in unprecedented violence in October 2023 remains unresolved.