Hamas Says Trump Threats Endanger Ceasefire with Israel
GAZA CITY – Hamas officials stated Thursday that recent threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump are undermining the fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel and emboldening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid further negotiations. The accusations come as the ceasefire, brokered in January by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, teeters on the brink of collapse, raising fears of renewed conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told Anadolu Agency that Trump's remarks "complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation government (Israel) to refrain from implementing its terms." Qassem reiterated that Hamas had fulfilled its obligations under the first phase of the agreement, which involved the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, he accused Israel of "avoiding entering phase two," which is intended to address a permanent end to the war and further prisoner exchanges.
Trump's "last warning" to Hamas, posted on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, demanded the immediate release of all remaining hostages and the return of the bodies of deceased hostages. "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," Trump wrote. He further added, "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."
The White House confirmed Wednesday that the U.S. has engaged in direct talks with Hamas in recent weeks, a departure from long-standing U.S. policy. These talks, reportedly held in Doha, Qatar, were led by presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler and focused on securing the release of American hostages held in Gaza. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that "Israel was consulted on this matter" but declined to provide further details.
The ceasefire agreement, which took effect Jan. 19, initially led to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, the agreement's future is now uncertain. Israel has blocked all aid into Gaza, demanding Hamas release remaining captives without beginning negotiations to end the war. Fuel to run sewage treatment plants is fast running out in Gaza. Even during the ceasefire, locals reported Israeli artillery fire and air attacks on Gaza. The first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 1. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending phase one by six weeks. Netanyahu agreed to the proposition, but Hamas opposed it, calling for the deal to proceed to the second phase as previously agreed.
Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua told Reuters that Trump's threats equate to support for Netanyahu's attempts to avoid entering another ceasefire agreement. "The best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by the occupation going into the second phase and compelling it to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of mediators," al-Qanoua said.
The current crisis unfolds against a backdrop of dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The United Nations and other international organizations have warned of widespread food shortages and a potential collapse of essential services due to the ongoing blockade. Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed 48,440 Palestinian deaths in Israel's war on Gaza while 111,845 people have been wounded.
As tensions rise, the prospect of renewed conflict looms large, threatening to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the suffering of civilians on both sides. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire can be salvaged or if the region is headed for another devastating escalation of violence.
