President Donald Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages or face total destruction.
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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.”
His statement came after meeting with eight freed hostages in the Oval Office, where he reassured them that efforts to rescue those still held in Gaza would continue.
“We’ll get them out,” Trump told the group. One former hostage, Naama Levy, responded, “You were our hope when we were there, and now you’re their hope.”
Trump has issued multiple warnings to Hamas in recent months with limited success. Before his inauguration, he threatened severe consequences if all hostages were not released. While Hamas did not comply fully, it agreed to a ceasefire deal that resulted in the release of 33 captives.
Reiterating his support for Israel, Trump vowed, “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job; not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
Since taking office, Trump has approved over $11 billion in weapons sales to Israel, including arms previously withheld by the Biden administration.
Addressing the people of Gaza, he added, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER.”
